A new study by the American Association for Cancer Research shows African-American women who regularly used talcum powder for feminine hygiene purposes are at a greater risk for ovarian cancer, when compared with women who didn’t use talcum powder (such as Baby Powder or Shower To Shower).
According to the African American Cancer Epidemiology Study, talcum powder or “genital powder was associated with an increased risk of” epithelial ovarian cancer, and a “dose-response relationship was found for duration of use and number of lifetime applications.” The study concludes, “body powder use was significantly associated with” ovarian cancer risk. According to the study, women who used talcum powder had a forty percent increased ovarian cancer risk.
The study interviewed 584 African American women with ovarian cancer, and interviewed 745 African American women who had no ovarian cancer. Approximately 63% of women with ovarian cancer used talc powder for feminine hygiene purposes, the study reports.
Talc Ovarian Cancer Link
As previously reported in the Talc Ovarian Cancer FAQ, studies show an increased risk between ovarian cancer and talcum powder use for feminine hygiene purposes. The first study finding a link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer appeared in 1971.
Since then multiple scientific studies show a link between talcum powder and increased ovarian cancer risk. It is estimated approximately 10% of all ovarian cancer cases are “talc related.” Annually over 25,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, resulting in 15,000 deaths. Some studies estimate as many as 20% of all U.S. women regularly use talc products for feminine hygiene purposes.
Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawsuits
We are currently investigating ovarian cancer cases allegedly caused by talc products, including Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder® and Shower to Shower®. If you, or someone you know, developed ovarian cancer and you suspect talcum powder use, please fill out our confidential form, as you may have a valuable legal claim.