A 31-year-old member asked:
Why is talcum powder a cause of ovarian cancer?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Liawaty Hoanswered
Hematology and Oncology 23 years experience
Talc in ovarian ca: One explanation for a possible association between talc and ovarian cancer is that decades ago talcum powder was sometimes contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Ed Friedlander commented
Pathology 44 years experience
Dr. Ho's explanation is probably the correct one. The studies showing a link are the older ones.
Apr 6, 2012
Dr. Romeo Mandanasanswered
Hematology and Oncology 38 years experience
Talc and Ovarian CA: Talcum powder contains talc (magnesium, silicon & oxygen) and may be used as a powder or found in sanitary napkins, diaphragms or condoms. Studies linking it to ovarian cancer have given mixed results. A compilation of 16 studies (all done before 2003) found a 30% increase in ovarian cancer risk among users. This would theoretically raise a woman's lifetime risk from 1.4% to 1.8% - still very low.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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Last updated Nov 12, 2016
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