Studies mixed on link between talcum powder, ovarian cancer
A court case involving the family of an Alabama woman who blamed the talc in baby powder for causing their mother's fatal ovarian cancer is raising questions about the product's safety — especially for feminine hygienic use.
A St. Louis jury late Monday ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay the woman's family $72 million in damages. After her cancer diagnosis, Jackie Fox joined dozens of women suing the company for what they said was a failure to inform consumers about the dangers of talc. Johnson & Johnson says its products are safe.
Johnson & Johnson to pay $72M in talcum powder-related cancer case
Talcum powder is made from talc, which absorbs moisture well and helps cut down on friction. That makes it useful for keeping skin dry and preventing rashes. The powder was used for many years when diapering babies, but health concerns led doctors to recommend against its use. Talc is still widely used in other cosmetics.
Some studies suggest a link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer, but scientists say it's not clear yet whether products containing talc can cause the disease.
"Studies of personal use of talcum powder have had mixed results, although there is some suggestion of a possible increase in ovarian cancer risk," the American Cancer Society says on its website. "There is very little evidence at this time that any other forms of cancer are linked with consumer use of talcum powder."
The International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organization, says applying talc to the genital area could be "possibly carcinogenic to humans."
Doctors have examined the possible health risks of long-term exposure to natural talc fibers at work, such as talc miners, to determine if they're at higher risk of lung cancer.
The U.S. National Toxicology Program, an interagency group headquartered at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has not fully reviewed talc as a possible carcinogen.
People concerned about talc can use other products, such as cornstarch-based ones, the American Cancer Society says. "There is no evidence at this time linking cornstarch powders with any form of cancer," the society says.
In the past, talc contained asbestos, which is proven to cause cancer. All talcum powder used in products for humans has been asbestos-free since the 1970s, according to the American Cancer Society.