Doctors in Manhattan have taken another look at data regarding talcum powder use and ovarian cancer saying they have found a small, statistically significant link between the two.

Dr. Paolo Boffetta and his team drew their conclusions from a meta-analysis that re-examined 24 statistical reports and studies that involved 302,000 ovarian cancer patients.

“Overall, it is about a 20 percent higher risk for women who say they used talc, compared to women who say they did not use it,” said Dr. Boffetta, associate director for cancer prevention at The Tisch Cancer Institute of Mount Sinai Hospital.

Dr. Boffatt and his team published their findings in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention.

Talc Is a Carcinogen

Talc was found to be a carcinogen by the United States National Toxicology Program in 1993.  Several studies have shown an association between talcum powder use and ovarian cancer.

In 1971, Dr. W.J. Henderson led a team that conducted the first study that suggested a link between talc products and ovarian cancer. They found talc particles embedded in ovarian and cervical tumors.

Talcum Powder Use and Ovarian Cancer Lawsuits

Johnson & Johnson has been the target of many lawsuits that allege there is a link between talcum powder use and ovarian cancer.

While some cases have resulted in tens of millions of dollars for the plaintiffs, other cases have been thrown out by judges who felt there was insufficient evidence that talc products cause ovarian cancer.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Johnson & Johnson baby powder was advertised to keep skin dry and comfortable. In marketing directed at women, the bottle stated, “For you, use every day to help feel soft, fresh, and comfortable.”

During the same period of time, the defendants introduced Shower to Shower, another talc-based powder marketed to women, who were encouraged to use it all over their bodies, including the perineal regions.

Dr. Boffetta said although his team determined there is an association between talc and ovarian cancer, they do not have evidence as to how talc might cause it.

Most cases of ovarian cancer are deemed sporadic, meaning there is no cause that can be absolutely determined. Symptoms are often unrecognized as ovarian cancer, which means many women are diagnosed at a later stage.

Dr. Eva Chalas, chief of gynecologic oncology and vice-chair of obstetrics and gynecology at Winthrop-University Hospital in Mineola says since there is no screening available for ovarian cancer, it is best to take precautions.

“The whole issue of talcum powder is seen as a possible agent,” Dr. Chalas said. “We don’t have strong links. Anything that can get in the peritoneal cavity can increase the risk. We discourage patients from using anything that increases irritation or inflammation.”

Ovarian Cancer Most Deadly

Dr. Veena John, a medical oncologist who specializes in gynecologic cancers at Northwell Health Cancer Institute said that more women die of ovarian cancer than any other cancer affecting the reproductive organs.

She said that ten to 15 percent of cases are the result of a BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutation, the type also linked to breast cancer.

The American Cancer Society says that 22,000 new cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed each year, and 14,000 women die of the malignancy annually.