Does Talcum Powder Cause Ovarian Cancer?

Popular products like face powder and baby powder often include talcum powder. This useful ingredient helps to keep people’s skin protected and dry. 
 
Talcum powder has been used in many different cosmetic products for decades. Recently, this ingredient has been scrutinized because of a potential link to increased cancer risks.
 
Some research has suggested that there is a relationship between the use of talc and some types of cancer. The most common conditions resulting from talc use are lung cancer and ovarian cancer.
 
Below we will discuss the possibility of ovarian cancer due to talcum powder use. It is important to understand the potential risks inherent in the use of various cosmetic products. 
 
If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer due to talcum powder, you should speak with an attorney immediately. You may be owed significant compensation from the responsible parties.
 
When you need the best legal representation available, contact the trusted experts at Morgan & Morgan. Our team has a sterling reputation for securing justice for our clients. 
 
No case is too complex or difficult. If you have ovarian cancer due to talcum powder use, schedule a free consultation with Morgan & Morgan today. To arrange your no-cost evaluation, fill out the contact form on our website.

What Is the Link Between Talcum Powder and Cancer?

Talc is a combination of silicon, oxygen, hydrogen, and magnesium. It is a naturally occurring mineral that is mined and milled. 
 
Talc has a crystalline structure and is a silicate mineral. When talc is milled, it is made into talcum powder. This powder has a naturally absorbent quality, which makes it very useful in various cosmetic products.
 
Talcum powder is very powerful in products meant to keep skin dry. These products include baby powder and certain types of face makeup.
 
In nature, talc is often found alongside asbestos. Asbestos is a substance known to cause significant health problems. This is especially true when asbestos is inhaled. Because of the inherent risks, the use of asbestos is restricted in the United States. However, there is not a full ban on asbestos in the U.S.
 
When talc is mined from areas containing asbestos, the possibility of cross-contamination exists. Cross-contamination can result in the presence of asbestos in talcum powder.
 
Because of this potential hazard, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has set many guidelines regulating the use of talc in cosmetic products. These regulations are intended to limit negative health outcomes, including ovarian cancer due to talcum powder.

Is Ovarian Cancer Due to Talcum Powder?

Research exploring the possible link between talcum powder use and cancers is broad. Ovarian cancer is not the only potential negative health result from talcum powder use. 
 
Other possible medical issues include:

• Endometrial cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Breast cancer
• Lung cancer
• And more

However, there have been several studies investigating whether patients might be diagnosed with ovarian cancer due to talcum powder exposure. An early meta-data study showed that there was no demonstrable link between ovarian cancer and perineal talcum powder use.
 
The term “perineal” refers to the application of talcum powder to the area between the anus and genitals. Many talcum powder products are intended for use on this area of the body.
 
While some early studies did not find a definitive link, the research is inconsistent. Medical researchers have not been able to conclusively state that there isn’t an association between ovarian cancer and talcum powder.
 
In fact, a 2019 meta-data study found that certain women may face a higher risk of ovarian cancer due to talcum powder. These types of women include:

• Caucasian women
• Hispanic women
• Women using hormone therapy
• Women using talcum powder in their underwear

This study showed a possible connection between cancer risk and the use of talcum powder. The specific mechanism by which talcum powder increases cancer risk is not known.
 
Some theorize that talcum powder causes chronic inflammation when applied near the genital area. Talc particles may rise through the uterus to the fallopian tubes and ovaries, causing health issues.
 
Aside from direct application of talc, some believe that the powder suppresses antibodies that typically protect against cancer growth. If this is true, the loss of these antibodies could increase the risks of developing ovarian cancer.
 
If you have been diagnosed with any form of cancer following regular use of talcum powder, you may be able to file a product liability claim. Reach out to the firm at Morgan & Morgan to discuss your rights and legal options.

Understanding Product Liability Claims

American consumers should be able to trust that the products they buy are safe and effective. When a product is unreasonably dangerous and causes harm, the victim has the legal right to pursue financial recovery.
 
A skilled legal professional can help you to seek damages for the losses you sustained as the result of using a dangerous product. Product liability claims are different from those legal cases arising due to personal injuries.
 
In product liability cases, the victim usually does not have to prove that the manufacturer or distributor was negligent. Instead, they need to show that the faulty product was the cause of the harm they suffered.
 
The specific evidence required in a particular case will depend on the circumstances. In general, product liability claims rely on four separate elements.
 
First, the claimant needs to show that they suffered some actual harm. Many products have the potential to harm users, but “almost” being hurt is not enough.
 
Second, the plaintiff needs to prove that the product was defective. A faulty product may be inherently dangerous. They may also be missing appropriate warning labels or instructions.
 
Third, the claimant needs to prove that the damage they sustained was a direct or proximate result of the product’s defect.
 
Fourth, the victim needs to show that they used the product as the seller intended. If you have been injured by using a product inappropriately, you will not be able to secure financial compensation.
 
The accomplished team at Morgan & Morgan will gather evidence and build a powerful case on your behalf.