Talc Powder Can Cause Cancer?

Talc is still widely used especially mothers rubbed to their babies in the body. But several studies have shown that talc trigger cancer. How is the truth?

Talcum powder produced from the mineral called talc or magnesium trisillicate. In its natural form, talc found in the form of rock and is known to contain asbestos fibers minutes especially. Process must be done to separate this content from the stone is not easy.

As quoted from buzzle, Saturday (22/05/2010), a study showed that the asbestos as one of the material contained in the carcinogenic talc, which can cause various types of cancer in long-term use.

There may be various kinds of powder used. Yet studies show that the use of powder that is too often can lead to the development of two types of cancer are lung cancer and ovarian cancer.

Actually in 1973, the food and drug watchdog USA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) to design a resolution to limit the amount of asbestos-like fibers in cosmetic powder. However, there is never a decision that was made for a range of cosmetic talc in the powder.

Talcum powder and lung cancer

One study claims that often inhale the powder can cause lung cancer. Women who use talcum powder also been warned against its use on a regular basis. This is not only putting babies at risk of cancer, but also for the people around him who inhaled this talcum powder.

In addition, talc is also used as material for making anti-flea powder on your dog, and it found dangerous for both pets and families living together.

This is mainly due to the very small asbestos particles in powder form and thus easily inhaled into the lungs. This condition can certainly trigger the inflammatory reaction (inflammation), which later may develop into cancer.

Meanwhile, while further research is carried out, the miners found large amounts of talc has been diagnosed with lung cancer. This is due to the job a person requires constant contact with the talc. It also found that talc has not been processed will be far more dangerous than a final product to the consumer.

Talcum powder and ovarian cancer

Studies on this subject is still a bit vague and needs clarification. Based on large-scale research study, the use of talcum powder by a woman in the genitals can cause these particles into the ovaries and cause ovarian cells multiply rapidly. This condition is one of the main characteristics of the cancer.

But it also depends on how much powder is used, the estimated risk of ovarian cancer will increase if the frequent use of talcum powder.

As quoted from Cancer.org, Saturday (05/22/2010) a prospective study (generally considered the most informative) was published in 2000 which found no effect overall with ovarian cancer, but increased the risk by 40 percent in one particular type from invasive serous cancers.

While associated with lung cancer, one study found no increased risk of lung, but other studies found no increased risk.

Studies on the use of talc is personalized so that gives inconsistent results, although some support increased cancer risk. But for a man accustomed to using the powder, there's nothing wrong to consider avoiding or not use powder containing talc.

Datuk Dr Nor Ashikin Mokhtar, consultant obstetrician & gynecologist from the Star was quoted as saying to the scientific research can provide a better answer, then it is up to individuals to make their own decisions about the use of talcum powder.

"We must remember that not necessarily every grain of powder is carcinogenic because it depends on the level of asbestos fiber-like powder that is used," he said.

According Dr Nor one alternative to talc powder is to use corn starch that does not contain talc. Corn starch is not related to any form of cancer and more easily broken down by the body, such as powder.

Consult with your pediatrician if it is safe to use baby powder on babies and children.