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Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer
Talc, a soft mineral used in body powders and baby powders, can increase a person's risk for developing cancer. Numerous studies dating back to the 1970s indicate that perineal exposure to talc can cause a heightened risk for ovarian cancer in women, indicating a clear link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer.
Understanding Talcum Powder Cancer
Talc, which is the main ingredient in talcum powder products, is a mineral that is found in deposits around the world. Consisting of magnesium, silicon and oxygen, talc is mined and processed for many different industrial and commercial uses. Of its many properties, talc is revered for its absorbancy. Talcum powder products are using to absorb excess moisture and prevent chafing and rash.
When talcum powder is used by women to dust the perineum, talc particles may enter the vagina and migrate through the female reproductive tract to the ovaries. Remaining intact for decades as a result of poor solubility, researchers believe these particles cause inflammation and create an environment ripe for the growth of talcum powder ovarian cancer.
Inflammation in the ovaries is likely to lead to increased cell proliferation and damage to the DNA, which can result in the malignant transformation of cells, otherwise known as ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is a serious disease that can result in immense suffering and death. An estimated 20% of women uses talcum powder for feminine hygiene routinely, thus exposing herself unknowingly to the risk of talcum powder cancer.
In response to each study linking talcum powder to ovarian cancer, talcum powder producers have claimed talc is harmless and negated the talcum powder ovarian cancer connection. Johnson & Johnson marketing campaigns have emphasized the safety of using talc body products such as Shower to Shower and Johnson's Baby Powder. One advertising slogan in the 1980s promised, "Just a sprinkle a day keeps the odor away", indicating the product was safe for everyday use. However, the results of four decades' worth of scientific studies have led experts to conclude that a talcum powder cancer link exists. The connection between perineal talcum powder dusting ovarian cancer has been documented in major medical journals since the 1970s.
Talcum Powder Cancer Research
In 1971, a study revealed that talc particles had been found in the ovaries of a woman suffering from ovarian cancer. This early study was the first indicator that talcum powder and ovarian cancer were linked. Since this early finding, Johnson & Johnson officials have categorically denied that talcum powder causes cancer, insisting its products were safe for routine use by women for feminine hygiene. Talc has never been regulated by the FDA, despite numerous Citizens Petitions calling for talcum powder cancer warnings.
In 2003, a meta-analysis which brought together the results of more than ten previous studies confirmed the connection between using talcum powder and ovarian cancer. And research produced by Dr. Margaret Gates of Harvard indicated that the more frequently talcum powder is applied, the higher the risk of developing talcum powder ovarian cancer. The most up-to-date research says that using dusting weekly with talcum powder increases a woman's risk of ovarian cancer by 33%. Daily use heightens the risk of talcum powder ovarian cancer by 41%.
Talcum Powder Cancer Research Timeline
- 1970s The British medical journal The Lancet publishes an article on talcum powder cancer risks, warning, "The potentially harmful effects of talc . . . in the ovary . . . should not be ignored."
- 1992 An article in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology indicates that weekly talcum powder dusting increase the risk of ovarian cancer threefold. 1997 The American Journal of Epidemiology releases the results of a study which affirms the risk of ovarian cancer from talcum powder dusting and also suggests a risk from talc-based deodorant sprays.
- 2003 Anticancer Research publishes the findings of a comprehensive talcum powder cancer meta-analysis, which compiles data on almost 12,000 women and concludes that using talcum powder causes a 33% increase in ovarian cancer risk.
- 2008 Dr. Margaret Gates of Harvard University concludes that talcum powder cancer is more likely with more frequent use, finding that weekly use of talc by women increases the risk of ovarian cancer by 33%, while daily use increases the risk of talcum powder ovarian cancer by 41%.
- 2010 Dr. Gates, along with two other Harvard researchers, publishes a study in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention reinforcing the connection between the use of talcum powder and ovarian cancer risk.
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Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawsuits
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Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Information from RxWatch:
Talcum Powder Cancer Warnings
Consumer safety and health entities have issued talcum powder cancer warnings based on the results of numerous studies. Talcum powder ovarian cancer warning statements have been issued by the Cancer Prevention Coalition, state departments of health, and national* cancer groups.
Talcum Powder Lawsuits
Attorneys handling national* talcum powder lawsuits for ovarian cancer are reviewing new claims at this time. These attorneys represent talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuits on a contingency basis - you'll never pay a legal fee unless they win on your behalf.
Talcum Powder Lawsuit FAQs
Attorneys representing clients across America in ovarian cancer lawsuits provide answers to frequently-asked talcum powder lawsuit questions. Common questions include, How much does it cost to file a talcum powder cancer lawsuit? and, Who qualifies to file a talcum powder lawsuit for ovarian cancer?
