Corporate

Q&A with Dr. McGrath

Q. Dr. McGrath, why are you endorsing Terra Naturals deodorants?

A. I’m asked daily by family, friends and patients, “What do you recommend for my underarms?” Of course, one study alone, doesn’t confirm a link of deodorants/antiperspirants to breast cancer, however, until this is worked out people want options. My simple answer is, “use soap and water, no products,” however, habits are habits and people need confidence in odor control. Terra Naturals’ deodorants are the first of the “Natural” deodorants that stand by the word “Natural”. They contain no synthetic chemicals, propylene glycol, parabens or aluminum. Their plant based formula results in odor control, performance, and a natural feel. I’m endorsing Terra Natural deodorants to support my answer to those who ask for underarm hygiene options; men and women alike. I believe in the integrity of the product.

Q. What about all the other natural deodorant products out there?

A. They may control odor, but I like to check labels and often see ingredients such as parabens, ethylhexylglycerine, propylene glycol, and synthetic antimicrobials. Fortunately, by definition a deodorant does not contain aluminum.

Q. Why are you so passionate about this subject?

A. Having lost a wife, mother, mother in law and patients to breast cancer I searched a cause and with a daughter at home the pressure was on. Only 5-10% of breast cancer is genetic and 90% is from the environment or lifestyle, specifically a Western lifestyle. Research revealed there was no one lifestyle to explain such a common cancer. These factors include, diet, exercise, estrogen exposure, and others, leaving approximately 50% of breast cancer unexplained! The environment closest to the breast is the underarm and the Western lifestyle closest to the breast is the underarm application of antiperspirants/deodorants often preceded by underarm shaving. This was the basis for my research and subsequent publication.

Q. Are you being compensated for this endorsement?

A. Yes. Compensation is necessary to fund the high cost research. My relationship with Terra Naturals is a long awaited solution. Underarm product exposure starts early in life, often by age 9 or 10 and is lifelong. I need confidence in recommending long term underarm products. Terra Naturals’ line of deodorants are worthy of endorsement and justify integrity based compensation.

Q. Why is Aluminum used in antiperspirants?

A. Deodorants are for malodor and antiperspirants are for dryness. Antiperspirants reduce sweat. To do so, antiperspirants use a variety of aluminum salts. The exact mechanism is unknown; however it is thought that the aluminum salts block sweat pores or passage ways and not necessarily sweat gland production.

Q. Does the Deodorant Stone contain Aluminum?

A. If you see mineral salts and ask the company what the composition is, they will likely say Alum which is potassium alum, which is in fact aluminum. Look carefully in the ingredients for “Alum” or call the company and ask them.

Q. Are there any studies that show Aluminum gets absorbed through the skin?

A. Yes, there are numerous studies demonstrating skin or what is called transdermal absorption of aluminum applied to skin, shaved and unshaved. Aluminum then appears in other parts of the body, such as the brain, breast, and even in the fetuses of pregnant animals. Shaving may facilitate absorption by removing hair and top layers of skin. The hair and skin are no longer there to grab or hold onto the chemicals, allowing easier entrance.

Q. Do you believe that ingredients get absorbed through the skin?

A. Absolutely. The skin is used to deliver several medications in healthcare. These include hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone replacements, contraceptives, pain medications, blood pressure medications, smoking cessation nicotine patches, heart medications for chest pain and others. The skin is a useful avenue in these examples, however potentially harmful substances placed on the skin may also enter the body.

Q. Are there any other studies that substantiate a possible link between antiperspirant usage and breast cancer?

A. My study published in 2003 showed a progressive earlier age of breast cancer diagnosis related to degree of underarm habits of deodorant/antiperspirant usage and underarm shaving.

Doctors Philippa Darbre and Philip Harvey in the United Kingdom have published articles reviewing evidence connecting underarm cosmetics to breast cancer. One common ingredient, parabens has estrogen like qualities.

Q. Do you use the Terra Naturals deodorants yourself?

A. Yes, as well as my wife, daughter and office assistant. We all agree on smooth delivery, excellent odor control, and long duration.

Q. What would you recommend to women who have just been diagnosed with breast cancer?

A. I’m asked this question often. Of course every woman and man diagnosed with breast cancer should seek the most up to date treatment options and follow their doctor’s advice. Even if underarm hygiene habits play a role in breast cancer, other causes are out there. Having said that, I’m asked about what to use as antiperspirants and deodorants. I tell them about my study, Dr. Darbre’s work, how the skin can absorb chemicals, how close the breast is to the underarm and my concerns over underarm shaving. Shaving disrupts the skin, removes hair and may facilitate skin absorption. Then I say, “You must make you own choice”. It took a long time to conclusively link tobacco to so many diseases that why take a chance if you don’t have to. My wife, daughter and I use Terra Natural products. I ask my wife and daughter not to apply products to their underarm immediately after shaving. Perhaps shaving should be as seldom as necessary and consider other methods of hair removal.

Q. Will you be conducting further studies on this subject?

A. Yes, as funds become available. Hopefully, with Terra Naturals, a web based process can be set up to follow young people over time and their breast cancer incidence based on their choice of underarm habits.