Dr. Teresa Diaz-Montes on Link Between Talc and Ovarian Cancer?

The recent news headlines about multi-million dollar settlements regarding baby powder and its connection to ovarian cancer continues to raise more questions than answers. Mercy gynecologic oncologist Dr. Teresa Diaz-Montes, Associate Director of The Lya Segall Ovarian Cancer Institute, offers her insights…

Can baby powder and other talcum based products cause cancer or increase associated cancer risk?

There are mixed reports with regards to the increase risk of talcum base products in ovarian cancer.  Case control studies have shown a slight increase risk in development of ovarian cancer among users of talcum based products.  There studies could be biased as they rely on patient's memory about use of the substance many years earlier.  other prospective studies have not shown any increase risk.  It seems that if there is any risk involved it does not seems to be a very high one.  More research is needed to clarify this potential risk.  

What can people do to lower this risk?

To lower any risk the most sensitive thing to do is to avoid the use of any products that contain talc as an ingredient.  Any powder should not be applied directly to the genital area (e.g. in the sanitary pads, tampon, etc).  If the women needs to use any powder to keep the area dry, then should look for alternatives like cornstarch powders.

--Teresa P. Diaz-Montes, M.D.