The cancer agency of the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday (Jul 5) classified talc as "probably carcinogenic" for humans. This comes a few weeks after a research claimed that it established a link between talcum powder use and ovarian cancer.&nbsp;

In the latest development, WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) said that based on "limited evidence" talc could cause ovarian cancer in humans, while there are "sufficient evidence" it is linked to cancer in rats and "strong mechanistic evidence" that it shows carcinogenic signs in human cells.&nbsp;

The cancer agency admitted that there were numerous studies which consistently showed an increase in the rate of ovarian cancer in women who use talc on their genitals, however, it further added that it previously could not rule out that the talc in some studies was contaminated with cancer-causing asbestos.&nbsp;

"A causal role for talc could not be fully established," according to the agency's findings published in The Lancet Oncology.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-species-was-healthier-and-less-stressed-during-first-year-of-covid-19-pandemic-study-738373">THIS species was healthier and less stressed during first year of COVID-19 pandemic: Study</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Facts or misleading claims?&nbsp;</h2>

IARC said that most people are exposed to talc in the form of baby powder or cosmetics. The most significant exposure to talc occurs when talc is being mined, processed or used to make products.&nbsp;

Talc is a naturally occurring mineral that is mined across the world and frequently used to manufacture talcum baby powder.

As quoted by the news agency AFP, Kevin McConway, who is a statistician at the UK's Open University not involved in the research, warned that for the IARC's evaluation, the "most obvious interpretation is actually misleading".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/monsters-bitter-river-no-sun-region-heres-all-about-mysterious-elements-in-worlds-oldest-map-738353">Monsters, Bitter River, No Sun Region: Here's all about mysterious elements in world's oldest map</a>&nbsp;

He said that the agency is only aiming "to answer the question of whether the substance has the potential to cause cancer, under some conditions that IARC do not specify," he said.&nbsp;

McConway added that because the studies were observational it could not prove causation.&nbsp;"There isn’t a smoking gun that the talc use causes any increased cancer risk," he said.&nbsp;

<h2>Link between talcum powder use and ovarian cancer&nbsp;</h2>

A recently published research&nbsp;in the Journal of Clinical Oncology on May 15, found that usage of talcum powder on the genitals was linked to ovarian cancer, which begins in the female organs that produce eggs (ovaries).&nbsp;

The risk is higher for those who frequently use the powder for long periods of time.

Ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it has progressed to the pelvis and stomach. At this stage, ovarian cancer is more difficult to treat and may be fatal.&nbsp;

Researchers from the National Institutes of Health examined the association between intimate care products and female hormone-related cancers.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The cancer agency of the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday (Jul 5) classified talc as "probably carcinogenic" for humans. This comes a few weeks after a research claimed that it established a link between talcum powder use and ovarian cancer.

The cancer agency of the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday (Jul 5) classified talc as "probably carcinogenic" for humans. This comes a few weeks after a research claimed that it established a link between talcum powder use and ovarian cancer. In the latest development, WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) said that based on "limited evidence" talc could cause ovarian cancer in humans, while there are "sufficient evidence" it is linked to cancer in rats and "strong mechanistic evidence" that it shows carcinogenic signs in human cells. The cancer agency admitted that there were numerous studies which consistently showed an increase in the rate of ovarian cancer in women who use talc on their genitals, however, it further added that it previously could not rule out that the talc in some studies was contaminated with cancer-causing asbestos. "A causal role for talc could not be fully established," according to the agency's findings published in The Lancet Oncology. Also read: THIS species was healthier and less stressed during first year of COVID-19 pandemic: Study Facts or misleading claims? IARC said that most people are exposed to talc in the form of baby powder or cosmetics. The most significant exposure to talc occurs when talc is being mined, processed or used to make products. Talc is a naturally occurring mineral that is mined across the world and frequently used to manufacture talcum baby powder. As quoted by the news agency AFP, Kevin McConway, who is a statistician at the UK's Open University not involved in the research, warned that for the IARC's evaluation, the "most obvious interpretation is actually misleading". Also read: Monsters, Bitter River, No Sun Region: Here's all about mysterious elements in world's oldest map He said that the agency is only aiming "to answer the question of whether the substance has the potential to cause cancer, under some conditions that IARC do not specify," he said. McConway added that because the studies were observational it could not prove causation. "There isn’t a smoking gun that the talc use causes any increased cancer risk," he said. Link between talcum powder use and ovarian cancer A recently published research in the Journal of Clinical Oncology on May 15, found that usage of talcum powder on the genitals was linked to ovarian cancer, which begins in the female organs that produce eggs (ovaries). The risk is higher for those who frequently use the powder for long periods of time. Ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it has progressed to the pelvis and stomach. At this stage, ovarian cancer is more difficult to treat and may be fatal. Researchers from the National Institutes of Health examined the association between intimate care products and female hormone-related cancers. (With inputs from agencies)

WHO's cancer agency says talc 'probably carcinogenic' for humans

A recently published research claimed to have established a link between talcum powder use and ovarian cancer. The <a href="https://ascopubs.org/doi/abs/10.1200/JCO.23.02037?journalCode=jco">study</a>, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology on Wednesday (May 15), found that usage of talcum powder in the genitals was linked to ovarian cancer, which begins in the female organs that produce eggs (ovaries).&nbsp;

The risk is higher for those who frequently use the powder frequently or for long periods of time.

Ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it has progressed to the pelvis and stomach. At this stage, ovarian cancer is more difficult to treat and may be fatal.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/life-fun/sleep-wrinkles-how-to-prevent-them-and-preserve-your-skin-722844">Sleep wrinkles: How to prevent them and preserve your skin</a>&nbsp;

In the study, researchers from the National Institutes of Health examined the association between intimate care products and female hormone-related cancers.&nbsp;

The report is based on data from the Sister Study, which enrolled more than 50,884 women in the United States from 2003 to 2009.&nbsp;

Data on genital talc use and douching were collected at enrollment (2003-2009) and follow-up (2017-2019).&nbsp;

The women had participated when they were 35 to 74 years old, and each had a sister who had been diagnosed with breast cancer - a situation which put them at higher risk for breast or ovarian cancer.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/infertility-treatment-doubles-the-risk-of-heart-disease-within-first-month-of-delivery-study-722072">Infertility treatment doubles the risk of heart disease within first month of delivery: Study</a>&nbsp;

The researchers found that 41%-64% of participants douched and 35%-56% used genital talc across considered scenarios.&nbsp;

"Frequent douching and douching during young adulthood were positively associated with ovarian cancer, but neither douching nor talc was associated with breast or uterine cancer," the study mentioned.&nbsp;

Watch: Singapore monitoring new Covid-19 wave as infections rise

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/singapore-monitoring-new-covid-19-wave-as-infections-rise-723115/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

A report by the American Cancer Society mentioned that when talking about whether "talcum powder is linked to cancer, it is important to distinguish between talc that contains asbestos and talc that is asbestos-free".&nbsp;

It noted that talc that has asbestos is generally accepted as being able to cause cancer if it is inhaled. The evidence about asbestos-free talc is less clear. The report was last revised on December 6, 2022.&nbsp;

It also stated that "many studies in women have looked at the possible link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer. Findings have been mixed, with some studies reporting a slightly increased risk and some reporting no increase".&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

A recently published research claimed to have established a link between talcum powder use and ovarian cancer. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology on Wednesday (May 15), found that usage of talcum powder in the genitals was linked to ovarian cancer, which begins in the female organs that produce eggs (ovaries).

A recently published research claimed to have established a link between talcum powder use and ovarian cancer. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology on Wednesday (May 15), found that usage of talcum powder in the genitals was linked to ovarian cancer, which begins in the female organs that produce eggs (ovaries). The risk is higher for those who frequently use the powder frequently or for long periods of time. Ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it has progressed to the pelvis and stomach. At this stage, ovarian cancer is more difficult to treat and may be fatal. Also read: Sleep wrinkles: How to prevent them and preserve your skin In the study, researchers from the National Institutes of Health examined the association between intimate care products and female hormone-related cancers. The report is based on data from the Sister Study, which enrolled more than 50,884 women in the United States from 2003 to 2009. Data on genital talc use and douching were collected at enrollment (2003-2009) and follow-up (2017-2019). The women had participated when they were 35 to 74 years old, and each had a sister who had been diagnosed with breast cancer - a situation which put them at higher risk for breast or ovarian cancer. Also read: Infertility treatment doubles the risk of heart disease within first month of delivery: Study The researchers found that 41%-64% of participants douched and 35%-56% used genital talc across considered scenarios. "Frequent douching and douching during young adulthood were positively associated with ovarian cancer, but neither douching nor talc was associated with breast or uterine cancer," the study mentioned. Watch: Singapore monitoring new Covid-19 wave as infections rise × A report by the American Cancer Society mentioned that when talking about whether "talcum powder is linked to cancer, it is important to distinguish between talc that contains asbestos and talc that is asbestos-free". It noted that talc that has asbestos is generally accepted as being able to cause cancer if it is inhaled. The evidence about asbestos-free talc is less clear. The report was last revised on December 6, 2022. It also stated that "many studies in women have looked at the possible link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer. Findings have been mixed, with some studies reporting a slightly increased risk and some reporting no increase". (With inputs from agencies)

New research finds link between talcum powder use and ovarian cancer

In what can be termed as nothing short of bizarre, an English woman has been discovered to have been addicted to consuming talcum powder for nearly fifteen years.&nbsp;

Forty-four-year old Lisa Anderson lives in Paignton, England and is a mother of five. She admits having been addicted to eating talcum powder ever since she gave birth to her fifth child. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-link-between-talcum-powder-and-ovarian-cancer-finds-major-study-272830">Johnson's Baby Powder</a> has been increasingly appealing to her palate.

Lisa continued devouring a bottle of talcum powder every day before finally deciding to seek professional help around five years back.

According to UK media, Anderson is reported to have spent as much as £8,000 on her eating disorder.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jj-recalls-33000-bottles-of-baby-powder-as-fda-finds-asbestos-in-sample-256818">J&amp;J recalls 33,000 bottles of baby powder as FDA finds asbestos in sample</a>

In reality, Lisa's outlandish craving could be attributed to mineral or nutrient deficiency, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or an eating disorder called PICA.

PICA is characterised by the urge in a person to consume substances with zero nutritional value such as paint, dirt, mud, chalk and powdery substances.&nbsp;

PICA is usually diagnosed if a person's eating disorder goes for or beyond a month. A host of tests can be conducted to assess mineral, nutritional deficiencies, intestinal blockages and toxic side-effects of substances that the person has had consumed so far.&nbsp;

Usually mineral or nutritional deficiencies may trigger such eating disorders. Once corrected, such eating habits may also go away otherwise behavioural interventions are used to treat the disorder.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

In what can be termed as nothing short of bizarre, an English woman has been discovered to have been addicted to consuming talcum powder for nearly fifteen years.

In what can be termed as nothing short of bizarre, an English woman has been discovered to have been addicted to consuming talcum powder for nearly fifteen years. Forty-four-year old Lisa Anderson lives in Paignton, England and is a mother of five. She admits having been addicted to eating talcum powder ever since she gave birth to her fifth child. Johnson's Baby Powder has been increasingly appealing to her palate. Lisa continued devouring a bottle of talcum powder every day before finally deciding to seek professional help around five years back. According to UK media, Anderson is reported to have spent as much as £8,000 on her eating disorder. Also read: J&J recalls 33,000 bottles of baby powder as FDA finds asbestos in sample In reality, Lisa's outlandish craving could be attributed to mineral or nutrient deficiency, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or an eating disorder called PICA. PICA is characterised by the urge in a person to consume substances with zero nutritional value such as paint, dirt, mud, chalk and powdery substances. PICA is usually diagnosed if a person's eating disorder goes for or beyond a month. A host of tests can be conducted to assess mineral, nutritional deficiencies, intestinal blockages and toxic side-effects of substances that the person has had consumed so far. Usually mineral or nutritional deficiencies may trigger such eating disorders. Once corrected, such eating habits may also go away otherwise behavioural interventions are used to treat the disorder.

One bottle a day! Mother of five has been addicted to eating talcum powder for nearly 15 years

A major US government-led study published Tuesday found no link between ovarian cancer and the use of talcum powder in the genital area, citing data from more than 250,000 women.

The paper appeared in the influential Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), which also published an editorial praising the research methods and calling the findings "overall reassuring."

For decades, some women have used talcum powder for genital hygiene to absorb odor and moisture either through direct application or via underwear, sanitary pads, tampons or diaphragms. The practice is more common among older generations.

But its use has grown controversial because of reported cancer risks.

In 2018, US pharmaceutical giant <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/child-rights-body-asks-states-to-stop-sale-of-johnsons-baby-shampoo-214002">Johnson &amp; Johnson</a> was ordered to pay out $4.7 billion to 22 women who had claimed that asbestos in the company's talcum powder products caused them to develop ovarian cancer. An appeal is underway.

In the 1970s, concerns arose over possible contamination of the mineral talc with asbestos, which often forms alongside each other in nature.

Some studies showed a higher risk of ovarian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/actress-nafisa-ali-diagnosed-with-stage-3-cancer-178256">cancer</a> among users of talcum powder, which was suspected of entering the ovaries via the vagina and uterus.

But the link remained contested because of the overall low number of studies conducted, with some of them criticized for a methodology that introduced recall bias among participants, while others were not statistically conclusive.

The effect is also difficult to isolate because ovarian cancers themselves are rare: only 1.3 percent of all women risk being affected in their lifetimes.

In the new JAMA paper, led by Katie O'Brien of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, researchers synthesized data from four large studies, which encompassed data from a quarter of a million women from 1982 to 2017.

The studies surveyed participants every year or two on a diverse set of questions related to health, including the use of talcum powder.

The hope was that by scaling up the number of participants, it would be possible to discern weak effects with statistical validity, which would have been undetectable on a smaller population.

Among the 252,745 women followed for a median period of 11.2 years, 2,168 developed ovarian cancer.

No statistically significant association was found when comparing women who had used powder and those who had never used it. Nor was any significant association found when comparing frequency or length of use.

But although the study is the largest of its kind with the longest follow-up time, the authors said there were several limitations.

These included that two of the four data sets missed information on frequency and duration of use.

There are also inherent limitations associated with so-called observational studies of the population at large as opposed to controlled clinical trials for drugs&nbsp;including failure to account for all possible external factors.

Kevin McConway, an emeritus professor of applied statistics at Britain's Open University called it a "good, competent, careful study," but added that it could not definitively rule out a link between talc and cancer entirely.

"Most of the risk differences that the researchers examined were not statistically significant," he said. "That doesn't mean that these differences were definitely zero, only that they were small enough so that they could plausibly be due only to random variation."

He concluded that what the research did establish was that if such a risk did exist, it was likely to be very small.

"I'm not a woman, so can't have concerns about my own health in these respects &nbsp;but if I were a woman, this wouldn't be high on my list of worries."

A major US government-led study published Tuesday found no link between ovarian cancer and the use of talcum powder in the genital area, citing data from more than 250,000 women.

A major US government-led study published Tuesday found no link between ovarian cancer and the use of talcum powder in the genital area, citing data from more than 250,000 women. The paper appeared in the influential Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), which also published an editorial praising the research methods and calling the findings "overall reassuring." For decades, some women have used talcum powder for genital hygiene to absorb odor and moisture either through direct application or via underwear, sanitary pads, tampons or diaphragms. The practice is more common among older generations. But its use has grown controversial because of reported cancer risks. In 2018, US pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay out $4.7 billion to 22 women who had claimed that asbestos in the company's talcum powder products caused them to develop ovarian cancer. An appeal is underway. In the 1970s, concerns arose over possible contamination of the mineral talc with asbestos, which often forms alongside each other in nature. Some studies showed a higher risk of ovarian cancer among users of talcum powder, which was suspected of entering the ovaries via the vagina and uterus. But the link remained contested because of the overall low number of studies conducted, with some of them criticized for a methodology that introduced recall bias among participants, while others were not statistically conclusive. The effect is also difficult to isolate because ovarian cancers themselves are rare: only 1.3 percent of all women risk being affected in their lifetimes. In the new JAMA paper, led by Katie O'Brien of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, researchers synthesized data from four large studies, which encompassed data from a quarter of a million women from 1982 to 2017. The studies surveyed participants every year or two on a diverse set of questions related to health, including the use of talcum powder. The hope was that by scaling up the number of participants, it would be possible to discern weak effects with statistical validity, which would have been undetectable on a smaller population. Among the 252,745 women followed for a median period of 11.2 years, 2,168 developed ovarian cancer. No statistically significant association was found when comparing women who had used powder and those who had never used it. Nor was any significant association found when comparing frequency or length of use. But although the study is the largest of its kind with the longest follow-up time, the authors said there were several limitations. These included that two of the four data sets missed information on frequency and duration of use. There are also inherent limitations associated with so-called observational studies of the population at large as opposed to controlled clinical trials for drugs including failure to account for all possible external factors. Kevin McConway, an emeritus professor of applied statistics at Britain's Open University called it a "good, competent, careful study," but added that it could not definitively rule out a link between talc and cancer entirely. "Most of the risk differences that the researchers examined were not statistically significant," he said. "That doesn't mean that these differences were definitely zero, only that they were small enough so that they could plausibly be due only to random variation." He concluded that what the research did establish was that if such a risk did exist, it was likely to be very small. "I'm not a woman, so can't have concerns about my own health in these respects but if I were a woman, this wouldn't be high on my list of worries."

No link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer, finds major study

talcum-powder

Talcum Powder, News on Talcum Powder, stories on Talcum Powder, articles on Talcum Powder, Talcum Powder stories at Wion, Talcum Powder news, Talcum Powder latest news