What does talcum powder do

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The Difference Between Disinfecting and Sterilizing. Because of this, even the largest studies done so far might not have been big enough to detect a very small increase in risk, if it exists. For any individual woman, if there is an increased risk, the overall increase is likely to very be small.

Still, talc is widely used in many products, so it is important to determine if the increased risk is real. Research in this area continues.

Some studies of talc miners and millers have suggested an increased risk of lung cancer and other respiratory diseases, while others have found no increase in lung cancer risk. These studies have been complicated by the fact that talc in its natural form can contain varying amounts of asbestos and other minerals, unlike the purified talc in consumer products.

When working underground, miners can also be exposed to other substances that might affect lung cancer risk, such as radon.

Talc use has not been strongly linked to other cancers, although not all possible links with other cancers have been studied extensively. One study suggested genital talcum powder use may slightly increase the risk of endometrial uterine cancer in women who are past menopause. But other studies have not found such a link. Talc is a naturally occurring mineral that contains a combination of magnesium, silicon, oxygen, and hydrogen.

When talc is mined and milled, it becomes talcum powder, which is commonly used in cosmetic products. This contamination can lead to talcum powder that contains asbestos.

Due to the potential danger of asbestos-containing talcum powder, the Food and Drug Administration FDA has taken a major role in setting safe guidelines for talc-containing products. On October 25, , the FDA released results from a year-long sampling assignment that tested the asbestos content of random talc-containing cosmetics.

The FDA researchers did not detect asbestos in any of the 50 tested samples. Research on talcum powder and the risk of cancer is quite broad and covers various types of cancers, such as ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, and more. One early review from analyzed the available literature on talcum powder use and ovarian cancer. Much of the research reviewed failed to find a link between perineal talcum powder dusting and an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

In an older, small animal study , female rats exposed to talcum powder were not found to have increased incidence of ovarian cancer. A recent analysis published in JAMA, which reviewed four cohort studies involving over , women, supported this early review. Results of this large analysis found that there was no statistically significant association between talcum powder use in the genital area and risk of ovarian cancer.

Research concerning ovarian cancer and talcum powder use is inconsistent, which means researchers have not been able to definitively say there is not a connection between the two. There are likely a few reasons for this. One reason might be because ovarian cancer is relatively rare, which can make it harder for researchers to study.

An estimated 21, women will receive an ovarian cancer diagnosis in Another reason might be how researchers set up their study, which tends to affect their results.

For example, long-term studies related to women who use talcum powder and track ovarian cancer tend to establish no relationship between the two. But studies of women who are already diagnosed with ovarian cancer may sometimes find a potential connection between talcum powder use and ovarian cancer. A critical review of 30 studies related to ovarian cancer and talcum powder concluded some women may be at higher risk for ovarian cancer if they use talcum powder.

Baby powder is a common name for talcum powder, as well as the name of the leading brand. Many people use talcum powder to absorb moisture and reduce friction to help prevent rashes and skin irritation.

While some studies suggest that talcum powder may cause ovarian cancer, many of them are poorly designed, small, or rely on personal recollections. There is no clear scientific evidence that talcum powder causes cancer.

While U. To reduce the possible risk of cancer from talc products, people can use alternatives and talk to their doctor about their concerns. Ovarian cysts can be either simple or complex. Complex ovarian cysts contain blood or solid materials. They are more likely to need treatment than…. Some people with ovarian cancer may experience weight gain. Bloating, certain treatments for cancer, or changes in lifestyle after diagnosis could be…. Ovarian cysts usually go away without treatment over the course of a few months.

While many cysts do not cause any symptoms, others can cause pain and…. Symptoms of ovarian cancer include an increased need to urinate and pain in the abdomen, back, and pelvis.

Learn more about the signs and when to see…. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop in the ovaries.