Talcum Powder Can Trigger Ovarian Cancer

Talc is most often used in cosmetics, in face powder or in baby care products. However, recent studies have shown that excessive use of talc-based products, including talcum powder, is associated with ovarian cancer. 

What is talcum powder?

This powder is composed mainly of talc or magnesium silicate, a mixture of silicon, magnesium, oxygen and hydrogen. In its natural form, talc contains a toxic substance known as asbestos.

According to several specialized studies, asbestos can lead to several types of cancer. In 1970, the United States banned talcum powder from containing asbestos.

Currently, talc is mainly used as an ingredient in various cosmetics or other items for women. The purpose of its use is to absorb excess oil or moisture, keeping the skin dry and preventing irritation.

For this reason, many women also use it for intimate hygiene, as it keeps this area clean and free of unpleasant odors.

Does talcum powder lead to ovarian cancer?

The American Cancer Society warns us that there is a link between the use of talcum powder in the genital area and the development of ovarian cancer.

If we apply talcum powder in this region of the body, the substance will move to the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries, causing inflammation of internal organs and creating an environment conducive to the development of cancer cells.

Talc particles passing through the female reproductive system can be stored in the ovaries for several years.

Talcum powder used to clean and care for babies’ skin can affect the appearance of ovarian cancer at a certain point in life.

A 1971 study showed that talc particles were found in 75% of the tumors examined. In another study conducted in eight countries by 19 different researchers, it was found that women who apply talc-based products in the genital area are at 30 to 60% higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Although the American Cancer Society has issued numerous warnings about the relationship between the use of talcum powder and ovarian cancer, the Food and Drug Administration has not recommended that talc-based products be removed from the market.

It also did not oblige manufacturers to include on the packaging a warning about the risks of long-term use of these products, especially in the genital area.

Warnings regarding the use of talcum powder

Many health agencies and companies producing talcum powder have decided to warn consumers about the correct use of these products.

The American Academy of Pediatrics no longer recommends talcum powder to treat and prevent diaper rash. This decision was made after it was discovered that talc could damage the baby’s lungs, causing serious breathing problems.

The talcum powder belonging to Johnson & Johnson contains a label with recommendations for using the product only externally and avoiding its application on open skin wounds.

The Cancer Prevention Coalition has proposed that all talc products in the package should have a label on the packaging to warn of the link between talcum powder and an increased risk of ovarian cancer: “Regular use of talcum powder in the genital area to women significantly increases the risk of developing ovarian cancer. “