Talcum powder raises woman’s risk of ovarian cancer

Boston, September 28: Sprinkling of talcum powder, especially near the genitals, raises a woman’s risk of developing ovarian cancerdefine, researchers of a new study suggest.

While women using talc once a week are on a 36 percent increased risk of developing ovarian cancerdefine, the risk rises to 41 percent for those applying the powder every day, the study data touted.

Experts from Harvard Medical School in Boston studied over 3,000 women.

The study derives its conclusion from the fact that powder particles travel to the ovaries and trigger a process of inflammation that promotes the growth of cancer cells.

Validating the above theory, results of laboratory tests show that ovarian cells exposed to talcum powder divide more rapidly – a characteristic typical to that of cancer.

Moreover, the risk of developing tumor magnifies threefold if the woman has a certain genetic profile - carrying a gene called glutathione S-transferase M1, but lacking a gene called glutathione S-transferase T1.

"Women are recommended to avoid using talc in the genital area," Dr Maggie Gates, study’s lead author cautioned, "An alternative is cornstarch powder."

Talc is a soft mineral composed of hydrous magnesium silicate. Upon passing through a rigorous factory process which includes crushing, drying and milling, the resultant powder is commonly used in cosmetic products.

The results of the study feature in the latest issue of the 'Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention' journal.