Apparently, the email they received was somewhat different from the one I received.
Email Rumor Links Anti-perspirant to Breast Cancer
May 21, 1999 (News Today) - An email making the rounds falsely links anti-perspirant use with an increased risk of breast cancer. Even if emails seem to come from the most reliable of sources, experts suggest you should always look to the medical evidence. This is what the emailer had to say, followed by the facts.
Email Rumor: I had toxic shock syndrome approximately two years ago from an infected lymph node found under my arm. The infection released toxins throughout my blood stream and caused my liver, kidneys, and lungs to collapse. It was extremely life threatening and I had no idea that this was happening to me. I was told by my doctor before I was released to use only aerosol deodorant and that I should not shave my underarms but to cut the underarm hair with scissors instead of shaving... Fact: This part of the message could be true. The woman the email is from probably had hidradenitis supurativa, an infection that starts in the sweat glands in the underarm or groin area. This infection can lead to bacteremia (bacteria in the bloodstream) and shock if not treated properly. Shaving with a blade can make an underarm infection worse. It is possible that some anti-perspirants may be slightly irritating to someone recovering from this infection or from underarm surgery. The email continues: The leading cause of breast cancer is the use of antiperspirant. Yes, ANTIPERSPIRANT. Most of the products out there are an antiperspirant/deodorant combination, so go home and check your labels. Deodorant is fine, antiperspirant is not. Fact: This is not true. There have been many extremely thorough epidemiological studies of breast cancer risk factors published in medical journals. We are not aware of any among these proving or even suggesting anti-perspirant use as a risk factor for breast cancer, much less the "leading cause" of the disease.
