After doomscrolling on social media (usually not the best idea to begin with), it can be hard to walk through the personal care aisle at your local grocery store or pharmacy. Is there anything on the shelves that doesn't raise cancer risk? Can we feel good in our skin without fearing that we will develop the disease?
The answer is yes, but it's still important to have the correct information so that you can make confident choices based on facts, not fear. Social media isn't usually the world's greatest hub for nuanced, accurate health advice.
"With the abundance of information across social media and the entire internet, real scientific evidence can be diluted across the multitudes of opinion and misinformation," Dr. Adeel Khan, MD, an academic hematologist/oncologist and epidemiologist in Dallas, tells Parade.
Importantly, there's only so much you can do to lower your cancer risk, but knowing what you have agency over can help you feel more empowered.
"Simply put, there are some things we can control and some things we cannot," Dr. Khan says. "Modifiable risk factors for cancer include avoiding tobacco, alcohol, industrial and agricultural chemicals, as well as ionizing radiation, while optimizing diet and exercise."
He adds that while we can't control our age, genetics, race, ethnicity or past exposures, we can control some of our future exposures, including ones that may be lurking in our bathrooms. Oncologists share the one bathroom product they're begging people to throw out, plus healthier alternatives to try.
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Three oncologists agree that it's worth ditching talc-based powders, noting they're linked to cancer risk, especially if they're contaminated with asbestos. Talc is a naturally occurring mineral composed primarily of magnesium, silicon and oxygen.
"It has been used for decades in products such as baby powder, body powder and deodorizing powders because it absorbs moisture, reduces friction and creates a smooth texture," Dr. Sudarsan Kollimuttathuillam, MD, a medical oncologist at City of Hope Orange County, tells Parade.
He adds that talc-based powders are also sometimes in face powders, blushes and eye shadows. The World Health Organization assessed talc as "probably carcinogenic to humans" in 2024.
"That doesn't mean talc has been proven to cause cancer in everyone who uses it, but it does mean there is enough evidence for experts to continue studying the potential risks," Dr. Kollimuttathuillam clarifies.
The issue isn't necessarily with the talc itself, but rather how (and where) it's mined.
"The primary controversy surrounding these powders stems from the fact that talc deposits can be naturally contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen, because the two minerals are often mined in close proximity," explains Dr. Ami Vaidya, MD, the co-chief of the division of gynecologic oncology at the John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center.
The contamination risk—and even labeling rules and regulations—can make it tricky to pick products. Dr. Khan reports that there's "no known safe dose" for talc-based powders. "Cosmetic-grade talc is supposed to be asbestos-free, but contamination has been documented, and the presence of any asbestos raises concern," he says.
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What Can Happen to Your Body When You Use Talc-Based Powders?
Oncologists' biggest concern with talc-based powders is that talc, the soft mineral, is often contaminated with asbestos because the two are frequently mined near one another. Dr. Vaidya points out that asbestos is a known carcinogen.
"When inhaled, these asbestos-contaminated particles can lodge in the lungs and cause inflammation that leads to mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer for which the link is very strong," Dr. Vaidya says.
Dr. Vaidya adds that there's also a major concern about the potential link between asbestos, including in talc-based powders, and ovarian cancer.
"It is theorized that particles from long-term genital application travel to the ovaries and cause inflammation, though the scientific evidence for this connection remains debated," Dr. Vaidya notes.
Dr. Vaidya notes there are also less conclusive links between lung cancer (mostly in talc miners) and endometrial cancer. Still, she points out that the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies asbestos-contaminated talc as "carcinogenic to humans" and the genital use of talc as "possibly carcinogenic to humans."
It also sounds pretty scary, especially if you've been using talc-based powders for years.
"If you have been using talc-based powder, you are not alone, as these were popular for decades," Dr. Khan says. "What is done is done, and previous exposures cannot be undone, but future exposures can be avoided. So if you are still using talc-based powder, it may be worthwhile to reconsider."
Related: Oncologists Are Begging Women To Ditch This Common Hair Product
You can't go back in time and change previous use of talc-based powders, but you can control what you use on your body moving forward. Dr. Vaidya shares a few alternatives to talc-based powders that do not seem to pose a cancer risk.
Cornstarch. This fine powder is made from corn kernel endosperm. Dr. Vaidya says it's easy to find in stores, absorbent and inexpensive. "It's the most common and direct substitute for talc in both commercial baby powders and body powders for adults. It effectively keeps skin dry and helps prevent chafing," she notes.Arrowroot powder. Light, fine and soft, this plant-based powder is loved for its absorbency and gentleness. "Many natural and organic brands prefer arrowroot powder because it's perceived as a more 'natural' or premium ingredient than cornstarch," he says. "It also has a silky, smooth texture."Rice starch/powder. As the name implies, this fine powder is made from finely milled rice and has been favored for centuries in Asian beauty routines. "It is excellent at absorbing oil and moisture, which is why it's often found in finishing powders for makeup," Dr. Vaidya says. "It leaves a smooth, matte finish on the skin."Up Next:
Related: Oncologists Are Begging People To Throw Out This Common Laundry Product
Sources:
Dr. Adeel Khan, MD, an academic hematologist/oncologist and epidemiologist in DallasDr. Ami Vaidya, MD, the co-chief of the division of gynecologic oncology at the John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical CenterDr. Sudarsan Kollimuttathuillam, MD, a medical oncologist at City of Hope Orange CountyVolume 136: Talc and acrylonitrile. International Agency for Research on Cancer.Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention of Mesothelioma. American Cancer Society.IARC Monographs evaluate the carcinogenicity of talc and acrylonitrile. IARC Monographs Volume 136.Carcinogenicity of talc and acrylonitrile. Lancet Oncology. Talcum Powder and Cancer. American Cancer Society.Hence then, the article about oncologists are begging people to throw out this item in their bathroom cabinets was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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