Researchers For The National Center for Health Research Describe The Link Between Ovarian Cancer and Talcum Powder

Researchers are using case-controlled studies relying on a person's memory and have found that using talc is risky

Tuesday, February 16, 2021 - Doctor Diana Zuckerman, Ph.D., and Danielle Shapiro, MD, MPH, have shared their findings and opinions on the link between using talcum powder or deodorants made from talc on their genital area for feminine hygiene and the risk of developing ovarian cancer. The doctors start by telling their readers that their studies indicate that there is evidence that the more a woman uses talc-based products, the greater the risk of developing the deadly disease. According to them, a woman is much more likely to develop ovarian cancer during their lifetimes, although there is no widely accepted screening. Ovarian cancer statistics indicate about 20,000 new cases of ovarian cancer every year and 14,000 deaths. Many cases of ovarian cancer may go undiagnosed.

The pain of Ovarian cancer can masquerade as a woman's regular monthly discomfort. Early detection of Johnson's Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer is the key to treating the disease and living longer. Ovarian cancer is so deadly because it is rarely diagnosed in time. Women that have used talcum powder or talc regularly and for many years should see their doctor and have the appropriate ovarian cancer testing done. Cancer.org describes the procedure, "The 2 tests used most often (in addition to a complete pelvic exam) to screen for ovarian cancer are transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) and the CA-125 blood test. TVUS (transvaginal ultrasound) is a test that uses sound waves to look at the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries by putting an ultrasound wand into the vagina." The Mayo Clinic describes the early signs of ovarian cancer as "abdominal bloating or swelling, quickly feeling full when eating, weight loss, discomfort in the pelvis area, changes in bowel habits, such as constipation, and a frequent need to urinate."

Researchers looking for a cancer talcum powder link cite case-controlled studies as pointing to women that use talc for feminine hygiene having a 30% greater chance of getting ovarian cancer. A case-controlled study interview 2 control groups, one is women with ovarian cancer and one that does not have the disease. Both are asked if they had used talcum powder regularly for many years. Critics think that case-control are unreliable as they rely on the imperfect memory of the participants, particularly troubling as they are asked to remember specific events that may have occurred ten, twenty, or more years in the past. "These studies cannot tell us for sure that talcum powder use causes ovarian cancer, but they can tell us if women who report using the powder in the genital area are more likely to develop ovarian cancer. Although there is never a guarantee that memories are 100% accurate, many women are very sure about whether or not they regularly used talcum powder in the genital area," according to the doctors.