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Talcum Powder a Carcinogen?

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Johnson & Johnson was handed a jury verdict for $72 million this week in the case of a woman who died from ovarian cancer. She, and dozens of others, sued the company in the St. Louis Circuit Court in a case alleging that use of talcum powder, also known as baby powder, increases the risk of ovarian cancer.

Is talcum powder a carcinogen?

Up to approximately 1980, asbestos contaminated talc was commonly used in talcum powders. Modern day powders often are no longer talc based. However, asbestos diseases have a 30 to 40 year or longer latency period. Accordingly, women or children who frequently used talcum powders 30, 40 or 50 years ago could be at an increased risk for the development of certain asbestos related diseases.

Whether talc should be among the minerals commonly described as “asbestos” has been a point of contention going back to at least the early 1970s.

2016 World Cancer Day and Asbestos Exposure

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The first World Cancer Day was adopted on February 4, 2000 at the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium in Paris. It was decided that February 4 would be a day to address and enlighten the world each year about the need for continual progress to eradicate cancer. The mission of this endeavor covered five areas: research for a cure, research for prevention, an upgrade of services to patients, interest of popular opinion, and mobilization worldwide in the fight against cancer.

“Preventing millions of unnecessary deaths and suffering from cancer is not outside of the world’s scientific or financial capabilities,” said Dr Cary Adams, Chief Executive Officer, UICC.

“We Can. I Can.”
This is the theme of World Cancer Day. More than eight million people throughout the world will die from cancer this year. Occupational and environmental exposures – including to asbestos – contribute substantially to cancer globally. Approximately 125 million people around the world are exposed to asbestos in their work. This can lead to over 100,000 deaths from cancer annually. The World Cancer Day promotes involvement of countries and individuals to work diligently for the elimination of asbestos use. Every action has an impact.

As with many endeavors, this starts with changes within ourselves. More than a third of cancers could be prevented by lifestyle changes: stop smoking, eat less red and processed meat, exercise regularly, and reduce alcohol use. These make up the first line of defense against cancers as a healthy body is more likely to successfully fight disease.

The world needs to see, and experience, that “we can, I can” get involved and make a difference in the fight against cancer.

Take a moment today to post or tweet on social media about this important day. World Cancer Day is the single initiative under which the world can unite to raise the profile of cancer in a positive and inspiring way.

#WorldCancerDay   #WeCanICan   Visit: www.worldcancerday.org

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