According to the World Cancer research fund international, Breast cancer is the 5th most common cause of death from cancer in women.  Some folks, like myself several years ago, need to keep switching from one deodorant & antiperspirant to another as they lose their effectiveness to keep that underarm odor under control.  There have been suggestions that the Aluminium, Triclosan, Phthalates, Fragrances and other ingredients present in deodorant & antiperspirant can potentially lead to breast cancer.

A few years ago, my cousin was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer after her husband accidentally bumped into a lump under her breast.  She felt that she was in pretty good shape, ate healthily and took good care of herself, and was curious to find out what could have been the cause of this diagnosis.  Her physician casually suggested that it might have been her deodorant, mentioning that Arm & Hammer Deodorant was perhaps one of the safer ones as it did not have many of the additives that the others did.  I listened to the story, then it left my mind.

Fast forward a few years.  I had experienced several bouts of sicknesses myself and in my quest for wholistic healing, embraced plant-based nutrition.  At that time, pungent body odors including the underarms was a real issue for me.  Severe allergies prevented any use of perfumes and toiletries including deodorant.  Baking Soda was my go-to for bath, shampoo, toothpaste, mouthwash, dish and clothes detergent, underarm deodorant, and cleaning agent.  It was cheap but worked like a charm! This continued for about  2 years.

As I embraced Vegan & Plant-Based eating, some exercise, drink more water, try to decrease my stress level, and work on getting more sleep, all the body odors including the underarms disappeared.  It has been about six years since I have had a need to use any perfume, deodorant nor antiperspirants.  Occasionally, I will rub a little raw organic coconut oil under the armpit for a bit of freshness.

This has been a win-win for me as it saves me some money and I have so much more peace of mind, not having to worry about the added risk of breast cancer. I can confidently raise my arm anywhere without thought of offending anyone.

Marva Riley, RN. Author of the book EAT SLEEP MEDITATE. A NURSE’S GUIDE TO HEALTH.  https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578728079