Study Denies Link Between Ovarian Cancer And Talcum Products

2023 Author: Lynn Laird | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 21:10

For several years, speculations of a link between talc and ovarian cancer have continued to multiply, without ever being confirmed. But a synthesis of studies, published Tuesday, is putting an end to the accusations and the global concern by revealing that there is no link between talcum products and ovarian cancer.

Study denies link between ovarian cancer and talcum products

The study conducted by scientists from several American research centers and involving 250,000 women in the United States, did not find any link between the use of talc on the genitals and the risk of ovarian cancer. Although this practice is no longer widespread among younger generations, some women continue to use talcum powder to absorb intimate odors and moisture. By applying talcum powder, either directly to the genitals or to an undergarment, there is a risk that the talc will travel up to the ovaries via the vagina and uterus.

Speculation of a link between ovarian cancer and talc arose in the 1970s, when concern over talc contamination with asbestos (which is carcinogenic) arose. As a result, studies have alerted talcum users to a higher risk of ovarian cancer. However, the reliability of the results was questionable, for two reasons: 1. the number of studies carried out in 50 years was low; 2. ovarian cancer is rare.

In search of a convincing answer, the National Institutes of Health funded researchers from various American research centers to carry out a synthesis of four large studies. The goal: to follow 250,000 women in the United States for a period of approximately 11 years. The result showed no statistical difference between women who used and who did not use talc. According to Kevin McConway, professor of applied statistics at The Open University, if there really was a link between talc and cancer, the risk would likely be low.

This synthesis is, in fact, the largest and most detailed analysis ever carried out on the subject. And as the number of women using talc products continues to decline, researchers are unlikely to be able to do better in the future.

If you would like to examine the results of the study synthesis in more detail, visit the Jamanetwork site. In addition to this, you need to know more about it.