It has been suggested that tainted talcum powder might cause cancer in the ovaries if the powder particles
(applied to the genital area or on sanitary napkins, diaphragms, or condoms) were to travel through the vagina,
uterus, and fallopian tubes to the ovary. Many studies in women have looked at the possible link between talcum
powder and cancer of the ovary. Findings have been mixed, with some studies reporting a slightly increased risk
and some reporting no increase. Many case-control studies have found a small increase in risk. But these types of
studies can be biased because they often rely on a person’s memory of talc use many years earlier. One
prospective cohort study, which would not have the same type of potential bias, has not found an increased risk. A
second found a modest increase in risk of one type of ovarian cancer.
Research has been developing since the 1960’s, and action has recently begun to take hold against pharmaceutical
giant Johnson & Johnson for promoting these talc products as inherently safe and healthy to use, despite the
knowledge that talc is often mined and processed in close proximity to highly carcinogenic asbestos fibers.