Be Aware of Ovarian Cancer Risks Linked to Perineal Talcum Powder Use Warns Consumer Safety Watch
Decades old habits influenced by commercials and direct to consumer marketing by J&J have contributed to increased exposure.
San Diego, CA, September 26, 2016 (Newswire.com) - For decades, Johnson and Johnson's talcum powder based product Shower to Shower frequently aired commercials advocating and encouraging perineal talcum powder use among women promoting jingles such as "A sprinkle a day helps keep odor away. Have you had your sprinkle today?"
Yet, in recent trials claiming Johnson & Johnson's Baby Shower and Shower to Shower products caused ovarian cancer, jurors stated that one of the smoking guns in the cases was that internal documents pointed to J&J actually being aware of the link between their product and vaginal cancer as far back as the 1970's yet they chose to ignore that information and continued selling the products without warning consumers of the potential dangers. In fact, their internal supplier of Talcum Powder added a warning label their packaging, yet Johnson and Johnson chose not to pass this through to their customers.
It is believed that the talcum powder, which is very fine, when used regularly on the panties or for perineal use, can travel up the vagina, through the fallopian tube, and into the ovaries. Once in the ovaries, it can be an irritant that contributes to the formation of cancer. As far back as the 1970s studies have found signs of talcum powder to be prevalent in ovarian cancer cells.
Alan Christopher, Consumer Safety Advocate
Consumer Safety Watch advocate Alan Christopher believes this disinformation may have led to thousands of women to suffer from ovarian cancer that otherwise may not have faced such as fate. According to Christopher, who manages the TalcumPowder.help and the Talcum Powder Consumer Advocates Facebook Page, a popular discussion forum for this topic.
"It is believed that the talcum powder, which is very fine, when used regularly on the panties or for perineal use, can travel up the vagina, through the fallopian tube, and into the ovaries. Once in the ovaries, it can be an irritant that contributes to the formation of cancer. As far back as the 1970s, studies have found signs of talcum powder to be prevalent in ovarian cancer cells."
Early Diagnosis is Key
Most women with ovarian cancer are diagnosed with advanced-stage disease (Stage III or IV). This is because the symptoms of ovarian cancer, particularly in the early stages, often are not acute or intense, and present vaguely. In most cases, ovarian cancer is not detected during routine pelvic exams, unless the doctor notes that the ovary is enlarged. The sooner ovarian cancer is found and treated, the better a woman's chance for survival. It is important to know that early stage symptoms can be difficult to detect, though are not always silent. As a result, it is important that women listen to their bodies and watch for early symptoms that may present.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer:
- Bloating
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
- Feeling the need to urinate urgently or often
Other symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:
- Fatigue
- Upset stomach or heartburn
- Back pain
- Pain during sex
- Constipation or menstrual changes
If symptoms are new and persist for more than two weeks, it is recommended that a woman see her doctor, and a gynecologic oncologist before surgery if cancer is suspected.
Screening Tests
Although there is no consistently-reliable screening test to detect ovarian cancer, the following tests are available and should be offered to women, especially those women at high risk for the disease:
- Pelvic Exam: Women age 18 and older should have a mandatory annual vaginal exam. Women age 35 and older should receive an annual rectovaginal exam (physician inserts fingers in the rectum and vagina simultaneously to feel for abnormal swelling and to detect tenderness).
- Transvaginal Sonography: This ultrasound, performed with a small instrument placed in the vagina, is appropriate, especially for women at high risk for ovarian cancer, or for those with an abnormal pelvic exam.
- CA-125 Test: This blood test determines if the level of CA-125, a protein produced by ovarian cancer cells, has increased in the blood of a woman at high risk for ovarian cancer, or a woman with an abnormal pelvic examination.
Source: Consumer Safety Watch