THIS WEEK'S QUESTION

Q. I have heard that deodorants, especially those containing aluminum, cause cancer. True?

A. It is probable that talc-containing vaginal deodorants contribute to ovarian cancer. A study from Harvard University, published in May, 1999, showed that there was a 60 percent increased chance of getting ovarian cancer if a woman used talc on her perineal area (which is the space between the genitals and the anus) directly or as a dusting powder to underwear or sanitary napkins. It was especially dangerous for women who had not yet given birth, or who used it for years. Talc somewhat resembles asbestos, the cause of another kind of cancer, mesothelioma, and may itself be contaminated with asbestos. And ovarian cancer in some ways resembles mesothelioma.

The authors of the study concluded that public health warnings should be issued on this topic. I heartily agree. I cannot understand why more people don't seek out natural, herbal deodorants, such as corn starch, that do not contain talc. Also one should avoid talc in other forms. For example, it is often put on on condoms or diaphragms.

ALUMINUM AND CANCER

Although this has gotten more publicity, there is far less certainty about a link between aluminum-containing underarm deodorants and breast cancer. The topic is not even mentioned in Dr. Samuel Epstein and David Steinman's Breast Cancer Prevention Program or in Dr. Epstein's Politics of Cancer. This question has gotten little scientific attention. To my knowledge, there are only seven scientific articles on the topic of underarm deodorants and none of these relates to cancer at all. Given the popularity of underarm deodorants and antiperspirants, more studies are clearly needed.

I cannot leave this topic without commenting on another thorny question relating to deodorants. That is whether or not aluminum-containing deodorants could contribute to AlzheimerÕs disease.

There is no question that aluminum is toxic to the nervous system. Aluminum is also found in the brain cells of AlzheimerÕs disease victims. Aluminum is a notorious pro-oxidant, which counteracts the effects of beneficial antioxidants. But the link to Alzheimer's disease is still not proven.

I personally try to minimize my exposure to both talc and aluminum-containing products. Many non-toxic, herbal-based deodorants are now available in health food stores. It is generally prudent to cook in high-quality stainless steel pots and pans rather than in aluminum (or iron) vessels.

We have a Moss Report on the topic of ovarian and breast cancer as we have for most other types of cancer. Please see my book, The Cancer Industry for a discussion of the controversy over environmental carcinogens.

ABOUT OUR Q & A SERVICE: Each week we answer a new question from a visitor to our website. Questions posted at this site are chosen based on their general relevance and become the property of Equinox Press. They may be edited for reasons of space.

Moss Reports clients can ask followup questions directly to Dr. MossÕs associate, Anne Beattie by emailing her at TMRAnne@aol.com.

If you have questions about purchasing a Moss Report for a particular kind of cancer, you can call our office at 718-636-4433 or you can order your Moss Report BY CLICKING HERE via our secure order form, and ask your question in the box provided.

Ralph W. Moss, Ph.D. is director of the The Moss Reports for cancer patients. Dr. Moss is the author of eleven books and three documentaries on cancer-related topics. He is or has been an advisor on alternative cancer treatments to the National Institutes of Health, the National Cancer Institute, the American Urological Association, Columbia University, the University of Texas, the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the German Society of Oncology. He wrote the first article on alternative medicine for the Encyclopedia Britannica yearbook. He is listed in Marquis Who's Who in America, Who's Who in the World, Who's Who in the East, and Who's Who in Entertainment (as a film documentarian). This Web site does not advocate any particular treatment for cancer. We urge you to always seek competent medical advice for all health problems, especially cancer. Before consulting our site please read our full Disclaimer statement.

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