May raise risk
Talc powder used in the genital area
talcum powder. Personal care.
- Verdict
- May raise riskSome studies point to higher risk, but it isn't confirmed.
- How sure
- Rung 2 · LimitedFew, small or conflicting human studies, or only indirect measures such as blood markers.
The rung shows how sure the science is, not how big the effect is. How to read these ratings
Cancers affected
Ovarian
What the evidence shows
In 2024 the WHO's cancer agency classed talc as probably carcinogenic. The human evidence is limited, mainly an association with frequent long-term genital use; contamination with asbestos may play a part.
What to do
Avoid using talc in the genital area. Cornstarch-based or talc-free products are an easy swap.
Sources
To take it to your doctor, print this page.
Related
Every myth and exposure we rated, or follow one cancer step by step: breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer and prostate cancer.