Research News: Talcum Powder

The Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance provides information based on medical research and best practices. Research regarding a connection between the use of talcum powder and increased ovarian cancer risk is inconclusive. The verdict of a recent trial regarding talcum powder. will not change the information that the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance provides to women about talcum powder and ovarian cancer. The most recent studies, such as the one published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute in 2014, showed that using perineal powder was not associated with a risk of ovarian cancer, compared to never having used it (read the full study in Oxford Journals). Previous studies, however, had suggested that there is a link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer.

“In highly publicized cases like these, we must be careful as a women’s health organization to let science guide our reactions. The fact remains that the science is inconclusive about increased risk of ovarian cancer to women using talcum powder,” said Audra Moran, president and CEO of Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance.