Cancer Myths: Hair Dye
Image Source: Flickr
As with power lines and cell phones, the myths involving hair dyes and cancer risks seem to exist largely because of the mere prevalence of the supposed causal agent. In other words, hair dye is everywhere (the National Cancer Institute estimates that more than one-third of women over age 18 and about ten percent of men over age 40 use some type of hair dye), and because of that, we feel vulnerable if even the slightest hint of danger, no matter how spurious, is reported.
The fear of hair dye started in the 1970s, when researchers found a link between some of the 5,000 plus chemicals used in hair dyes and cancer — in animals. By the late 1970s, however, these possible human carcinogens were removed from hair dyes. Thus, it’s not surprising that studies have since shown that women who used hair dye regularly before 1980 had a somewhat above average cancer risk (30% above), but women who used hair dye after 1980 showed no increased cancer risk.
Likewise, in small sample sizes, some have reported a link between hair dyes and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia, and bladder cancer. However, more recent and comprehensive studies have repeatedly found no such link.
Antiperspirants And Deodorants
PHOT0037.JPG Image Source: Flickr
While the cancer myths surrounding antiperspirants and deodorants have certainly grabbed headlines, the evidence just isn’t there. Both the National Cancer Institute and the FDA have any evidence to suggest that the ingredients in antiperspirants and deodorants cause cancer.
Like with so many of the other cancer myths here, the fear comes down to an incomplete understanding of the science and a tendency to jump to conclusions. Along those lines, the main culprit in the fear of antiperspirants and deodorants seems to be aluminum. Some studies have shown that aluminum can be absorbed into the skin. And some studies have shown that aluminum can have estrogen-like effects in increasing hormone production. Finally, some studies have shown that estrogen can help cause the development of breast cancer.
But, to leap from those three findings (the first two of which haven’t been found universally) to the simple conclusion that aluminum causes breast cancer just isn’t scientifically sound.
Several studies have shown tenuous correlations between antiperspirant/deodorant use and breast cancer in women, but, as always, we must remember that correlation does not equal causation. Despite the fact that the antiperspirant/deodorant cancer myths still make headlines today, as long ago as 2006, the National Cancer Institute cited a study that showed no causal link.
