OVERVIEW: Talcum powder is derived from talc, which is a hydrated magnesium silicate. It is used for a multitude of purposes and is in many, if not most, U.S. households in some form or another.

While it is most commonly known as Baby Powder, used to prevent or treat rashes, many women also talc powder for personal hygiene and cosmetics. As a result, many different products are also marketed as body powder, such as “Shower to Shower” and other brand names.

Talc contained in many of these powders is a mineral composed of hydrated magnesium silicate. While talc powder is generally recognized as safe, it may pose serious and potentially life-threatening health concerns when used for feminine hygiene.

TALC POWDER OVARIAN CANCER RISKS: Concerns over the potential link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer has been suspected for decades. However, the manufacturers have sold talc body powder as a safe product, withholding important safety information from consumers.

As early as 1971, researchers found talc embedded in 75% of all ovarian tumors researchers studied. In addition, several studies and reports have confirmed that talc applied to a woman’s genital area may travel through the vagina and into the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.

In June 2013, a study published in the medical journal Cancer Prevention Research found that women who used talcum body powder as a feminine hygiene produce may face a 20% to 30% greater risk of ovarian cancer compared to those who do not apply talc.

Additional Information for Patients

• 10% of all Ovarian Cancers are believed to be talc related
• 2,500 talc-related Ovarian Cancer diagnoses per year
• 1,500 talc-related deaths per year

How do I know if my ovarian cancer was caused by talcum powder?

In most cases, the doctors who provided you with ovarian cancer treatment focused on fighting the disease rather than looking for its cause. The same tissue samples and pathology reports that were used to diagnose the cancer and determine the best method of treatment can be examined now to determine whether your ovarian tissues contain talc fibers. By reviewing your medical records and sending your pathology reports to a talcum powder ovarian cancer expert, we can determine whether talc may have caused your ovarian cancer. Talc fibers can be found in the ovaries, fallopian tubes and in the pelvic lymph nodes for years after entering the female reproductive system. Talc fibers take years to disintegrate; in fact, intact fibers cause inflammation in the ovaries, which is believed to result in a higher rate of cancer. If talc fibers are present in your ovarian tissues, our researchers will detect them. Individuals who have used talcum powder or talc-based baby powder on a regular basis in the past are most likely to develop ovarian cancer.