It is really of no surprise, but women are now being warned to stop using talc, especially around the genital area. A recent study has found that using talk in this area can raise the risk of ovarian cancer by up to 40%.
According to the studies talcum powder can move up to the ovaries and cause inflammation that lets cancer cells breed. Harvard Medical School studied more than 3000 women and found using talc once a week raised the risk of ovarian cancer by 36%, rising to 41% for those who use it every day
Ovarian cancer, otherwise known as the silent cancer, kills more than 800 Australian women per year so it makes sense when when the CEO of the Cancer Council of Australia says that women should avoid using talcum powder on their genitals. He went on to say "It doesn't make the case definitively, but given we have no way of screening for ovarian cancer and it's difficult to pick up the symptoms, this is something women can do to reduce their risk...".
This is a scary thought, very scary, and especially as talcum powder is so often used on babies. There are alternatives now days though for mums and babies in the way of certified organic corn starch powder which is safe and gentle on your skin.Corn starch powder is free from talc, sulphates, petrochemicals, artificial colours and fragrances, mineral oils and animal.
We endorse the following brands of corn starch powder:
- Gaia Natural Baby Powder
- Baby Organics Talc Free Baby Powder
- Little Joey Organics Baby Powder
Andrew