Many women across the United States have long alleged that they developed ovarian cancer after prolonged use of baby powder for personal hygiene reasons. Baby powders that contain talc, which is a mineral that contains magnesium, silicon and oxygen, are at the center of the controversy, and enough women have made these allegations to warrant a large-scale study.
The medical journal “Epidemiology” details the results of the study, and they suggest that women may be correct in their beliefs that using baby powder played a significant role in their developing ovarian cancer.
Study findings
The study, which involved more than 4,000 women, revealed that using talc powder for personal hygiene increases your risk of ovarian cancer by about a third, or 33%. It also indicated that your risk of ovarian cancer climbs if you use talc powder on a daily basis.
Exactly why prolonged use of talc powder increases your cancer risk is unclear. However, the American Cancer Society finds that the risk is serious enough to recommend discontinuing your use of talc powder for hygienic purposes if you have concerns about ovarian cancer.
Signs associated with ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer is one of the deadliest types of gynecological cancer. If you are a regular user of talc products and have concerns about it, it is important that you learn to spot potential signs.
Sudden weight loss or gain is a possible indication of ovarian cancer. So, too, is having abnormal periods or experiencing uncharacteristic gas, nausea or vomiting. Appetite changes may also clue you in that something is amiss. Struggling to eat or feeling abnormally full after eating are also possible ovarian cancer symptoms.
Lower abdominal pain or pressure may also be a sign of ovarian cancer, so if you experience one or more of these symptoms, consider scheduling a visit with your doctor. With cancer, the earlier you catch it, the better your prognosis, so failing to seek prompt medical care is risky.