Hello Everyone~
I have a question that might seem a little silly but I am sort of worried. I heard that there is a connection between using taclum powder and ovarian cancer. I am 20 years old and lately I have been having a lot of pain in my lower right side, a constatnt dull aching pain. My periods aren't normal and just a few things like that. I used to use talcum powder a lot as a kid. Does anyone know anything about this? Should I be worried? Thanks,
Robyn

I have heard this too. It wouldn't hurt to get checked by a good gynecologist. Better to be safe than sorry!

Best wishes!

Yes, talc is a carcinogen. Women who have used talc on their genital area have a higher incidence of ovarian cancer. That being said, though, I don't think you have ovarian cancer. The ovaries are in the upper abdomen, and you are quite young for that kind of cancer to take effect yet. The appendix is on the right side on the lower to middle area. That would be something to consider. Have you had any muscle strain? Have you had regular bowel movements? What do you mean by your periods are not normal? Is it just that they are irregular, or are you experiencing excessive pain or what? If your pain persists or gets worse, you should get checked by a doctor. Good Luck.

Peache,
You are not, unfortunately, too young to get ovarian cancer. Here is what the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance (OCNA: www.ovariancancer.org (http://www.ovariancancer.org) has to say:
*Ovarian cancer occurs in 1 out of 55 women, at any age (hey, that's a lot of women!)
*Symptoms are subtle, persistent, and usually increase over tme.
*Symptoms include:
- bloating, a feeling of fullness, or gas
- frequent or urgent urination
- nausea, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea
- menstrual disorders, pain during intercourse
- fatigue, backaches
*Take action if any symptoms last more than 2-3 weeks
*Ask for a combination pelvic/rectal exam, CA 125 blood test, and a transvaginal sonogram (they will use a large probe covered with a condom)

The CA125 blood test is not very specific, though, and a friend of mine had ovarian cancer while having a normal test result. There are some new tests being developed, but they are still in the pipeline.

Get some help sooner, rather than later. If you think you may be bloating, take measurements of your waist; keep them around for later reference. But when you bloat out of your clothes, be sure to get help! Bood luck in this chapter of your life. I hope it's a short one, but you must be ever vigilant about your good health. Do not take it for granted. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif
wr

[edited to correct misspelling in website address.
Please be careful and also review the board posting
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[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 03-07-2003).]

Talc has been implicated in the development of ovarian cancer because it appears in many personal hygiene products and is related to asbestos, a known cancer-causing agent. The theory is that talc particles travel to the ovary through the cervix, line the uterus and fallopian tubes, and result in toxic effects on the ovary.