2024-07-17 22:00:00
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Talcum powder is coming under new scrutiny because of the health risks it may pose. In a recent report, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified talc as “possibly carcinogenic.” what does that mean?
Talcum powder and ovarian cancer
Talc came under scrutiny in 2016 following a high-profile trial in the United States. The pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson was subsequently ordered to pay $72 million in damages to the family of a woman who died of ovarian cancer. The woman had been using talc for years, and the court found there might be a link between her illness and her use. In June of this year, Johnson & Johnson reached a $700 million settlement with courts in 42 U.S. states in a case involving its talc powder. Talc has been accused of causing cancer in other users. The company insists talc is safe to use but stopped production two years ago. Since then, powders have only been made with cornstarch as the main ingredient, so the real core question is:
If particles of the powder can travel through the vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes to the ovaries, might repeated use of talc around the genitals cause ovarian cancer?
Research on this topic is conflicting. Some data suggest the risk may be slightly increased, while other studies have not proven this. However, both the American Cancer Society and the Cancer Foundation point out that most studies are based on types of talc used before the 1970s, when talc still contained small amounts of asbestos.
See also article: Ovarian Cancer: Vague Symptoms and Late Diagnosis
Why does the World Health Organization now classify talc as “possibly carcinogenic”?
“After a thorough review of the available scientific literature, a working group of 29 international experts classified talc as a probable human carcinogen (2A) based on limited evidence of cancer in humans (ovarian cancer) and sufficient evidence of cancer. class). » That’s according to a new report published in a medical journal by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Lancet Oncology. Unlike previous studies, this study only focused on asbestos-free talc.
Therefore, based on the results of this recent study, the World Health Organization has chosen to include talc on the list of possible carcinogens. The consumption of red meat, working at night and the consumption of hot drinks fall into the same category.
The World Health Organization is doing this primarily as a precautionary measure, as there is still some debate over just how serious the risk is. Furthermore, in reality, it is often difficult to say with certainty that talc is completely asbestos-free. In fact, asbestos is often found in its natural state near the minerals used to make talc. Through this opinion, the World Health Organization emphasizes the need for caution when using talc.
Consumers are encouraged to make informed choices and be aware of potential health risks.
To avoid the risk of ovarian cancer, women should avoid using talc in the genital area.
source:
https://www.cancer.org
https://www.iarc.who.int
https://www.vrt.be
Last updated: July 2024
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