A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology on May 15 has found a link between using talcum powder in the genital area and an increased risk of ovarian cancer. This cancer starts in the ovaries, which produce eggs in women, and is often not detected until it spreads to the pelvis and stomach, making it harder to treat.
The study, conducted by researchers from the National Institutes of Health, analyzed data from the Sister Study, which included over 50,000 women in the U.S. who participated between 2003 and 2009. The participants were between 35 and 74 years old and had sisters with breast cancer, putting them at higher risk for breast or ovarian cancer. Data on the use of genital talc and douching were collected during enrollment and again during follow-up between 2017 and 2019.
The researchers discovered that 41%-64% of the women used douches, and 35%-56% used genital talc. They found that frequent douching, especially during young adulthood, was linked to a higher risk of ovarian cancer. However, there was no association between douching or talc use and breast or uterine cancer.
The American Cancer Society has highlighted that it is important to differentiate between talc containing asbestos and asbestos-free talc when discussing cancer risks. Talc with asbestos is known to cause cancer if inhaled, but the evidence is less clear for asbestos-free talc. Many studies have looked at the link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer, with mixed results—some showing a slight increase in risk and others showing no increase at all.
