All cancer ultimately stems from biochemical errors that are so removed from day-to-day life that they can only be described in terms of medical science jargon, as no everyday words exist for them. But exposures, things easier to understand, can set these biochemical changes in motion. These exposures can include foods, chemicals, and other factors. By avoiding exposures that can cause cancer, people can reduce their risk of developing cancer, including ovarian cancer.

What Causes Ovarian Cancer?

A variety of exposures have been linked to the risk of developing ovarian cancer specifically, and may help answer the question women may have about what causes ovarian cancer. The biggest risk factor is genetics, one which people have little control over. Having a close family member with ovarian cancer is one of the biggest risk factors, but a number of other factors have been linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

A number of studies have found an increased risk of ovarian cancer associated with every day exposures. These studies all have a degree of controversy, and could be overturned by additional research. A lack of sunlight is linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer, as ovarian cancer is more rare in sunny countries. Asbestos exposure has also been linked to ovarian cancer, as have childhood infections like mumps, high dietary fat, and drinking more than two glasses of milk a day. One possible risk factor, which a new study has highlighted, is exposure to talc-based baby powder.

Talcum powder is an absorbent powder using talc, a naturally-occurring mineral, to absorb moisture and provide dry lubrication. However, talc is chemically similar to another mineral — asbestos.

Studies since the 1970s have postulated a possible link between talc-based powder and ovarian cancer. A study in the 1970s found talc embedded in roughly three-quarters of ovarian tumors. But a new study suggests a link more strongly.

The New Ovarian Cancer Talc Powder Study

A new study on the link between ovarian cancer and talcum powder has found even stronger evidence of a link.

This study was published in the peer-reviewed journal Cancer Prevention Research. In this study, researchers performed a meta-analysis, where data from multiple studies are pooled for further study.

This new study found that women who used talc powder on their genitals had a higher risk of ovarian cancer. Specifically, women using talcum powder on their genitals increased their risk of ovarian cancer by 24 percent.

Despite this link, some companies like Johnson & Johnson have marketed talc based products like Shower to Shower and Johnson’s Baby Powder explicitly for use on the genitals.