Talcum Powder Cancer Concerns

New York, NY“I’ve used Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder for more than 50 years and discovering that this talcum powder can cause ovarian cancer is concerning, to say the least,” says Cindy, “because I use it on my granddaughter as well.”

The American Cancer Society hasn’t confirmed or denied an association with ovarian cancer and talcum powder, saying that some studies report a slightly increased risk and some report no increase, but “research in this area continues.” Further, the National Institutes of Health “has not fully reviewed talc (with or without asbestos) as a possible carcinogen.” On the other hand, the Canadian Cancer Society goes a step further by listing talcum powder as a “possible risk factor”.

Cindy (not her real name) has not been diagnosed with ovarian cancer but says she feels guilty and is “worried sick” about her granddaughter. Since hearing about talcum powder cancer she, and her daughter, no longer use the product. But what about the past two years?

In all likelihood, Cindy, age 65, shouldn’t worry about her granddaughter or even her daughter using talc. Research indicates that certain talcum powders many years ago may have been contaminated with asbestos or may have contained asbestiform fibres, which are fibres that have similar properties as asbestos. But FDA and Health Canada now ensure that talc does not contain asbestos. Many talcum powders on the shelf today contain cornstarch, which is safe to use.

“My mother died in 1994 due to ovarian cancer, and at that time we had no idea talcum powder could cause cancer,” said Paula in an email. “If we had known my mother wouldn't have used it—I know she used talc daily.”

Paula says she has contacted a few law firms but they won’t take a case before the year 2000 due to the statute of limitations, but she hasn’t given up. “I know there is a law that the statute of limitations begins when a person remembers something or learns about something that causes them bodily harm. It saddens me deeply to think my mother has no voice. I believe that talcum powder caused her ovarian cancer and that caused her death.”

Until more studies and information indicate otherwise, people concerned about using talcum powder may want to avoid or limit their use of products that contain it. And read product labels.