Talcum Powder Increases Risk Of Fibroids And Ovarian Cancer

Talcum Powder Increases Risk Of Fibroids And Ovarian Cancer

Johnson & Johnson products had been embraced by the black community, and had been synonymous with the black community.

Johnson & Johnson targeted the African-American community to sell its products, and developed this saying, “Think of us as a lifetime friend of the family.”

I grew up sprinkling the company’s baby powder on my body after taking a shower. Yes I know, too much information (TMI).

Unfortunately now Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder, which is talcum powder, has been associated with the increased risk of fibroids and ovarian cancer.

Talcum Powder And Fibroids

Eighty percent of African-American women in the United States develop fibroids, compared to seventy percent of white women in the U.S. Half of African-American women in the U.S. who have fibroids developed them by their mid-thirties, while half of white women developed fibroids by their early forties.^[1]

The number of women in the U.S. with fibroids, was alarming which led researchers to look at different things that may have increased the risk of developing fibroids. The racial disparity threw up another red flag.

African-American women were more likely to sprinkle baby powder on their genitals. This may seem like a farfetched place to look for an answer, but researchers hit the nail on the head. This study indicated the use of talcum powder may double the chances of developing fibroids.^[2]

Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder is made out of talcum powder, and is used to absorb moisture and to reduce friction. Manufacturers crush talc, which a mineral made up mainly of the elements magnesium, silicon, and oxygen, to produce talcum powder.

Talcum Powder And Ovarian Cancer

This study indicated talcum powder increased risk of developing ovarian cancer, which is the deadliest gynecological cancer.^[3]

Unfortunately one of the products Johnson & Johnson promoted to the African-American community was the use of its talcum baby powder. Researchers have determined that talcum powder increased the risk of developing fibroids and ovarian cancer.

The company faces multiple lawsuits and has paid settlements to affected women.^[4]

It is unfortunate that the product had adverse effects. It is even more unfortunate the Johnson & Johnson knew about the increased risk.

An internal memo^[5] showed Johnson & Johnson new about the increased risk and still decided to target the African American and Hispanic communities. Both communities faced increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.

The bottom line was “the brand could increase volume by targeting these groups.”

Protect Against Fibroids And Ovarian Cancer

Beta-carotene deficiency in uterine tissue is associated with increased risk of fibroids and cancer.^[6] This population study showed women who had sufficient vitamin D levels had a one-third lower odds of fibroids.

80% of African-American women had deficient or inadequate vitamin D levels, compared to 20% of white women.^[7] This looks look s another variable that contributes to the racial disparity.

Please read Darker Skin Needs More Sun Exposure To Make The Optimal Level »

African-American women take longer to produce vitamin D than white American women. Get out in the sun for longer periods of time to naturally produce sufficient levels of vitamin D.

Leafy greens like kale, winter squash like kabocha squash, and fruits like cantaloupe are good sources of beta-carotene.

Learn more about health and vitality supporting foods on the Dr. Sebi Nutritional Guide. »

Sources:
[1] High cumulative incidence of uterine leiomyoma in black and white women: ultrasound evidence.
[2] Risk factors for uterine leiomyoma: a practice-based case-control study. II. Atherogenic risk factors and potential sources of uterine irritation.
[3] Association between Body Powder Use and Ovarian Cancer: The African American Cancer Epidemiology Study (AACES).
[4] Does talcum powder cause ovarian cancer?
[5] Johnson’s Baby Powder
[6] Decreased beta-carotene tissue levels in uterine leiomyomas and cancers of reproductive and nonreproductive organs.
[7] Vitamin D and uterine leiomyoma among a sample of US women.