Published by Bupa's health information team, July 2009.
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
Most doctors believe it's unlikely that talcum powder is a direct cause of ovarian cancer.
There is a theory that talc may be able to travel up your vagina through your cervix to your womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries. This could potentially cause your ovaries to become irritated and inflamed, which may lead to cancerous changes in the cells.
Some studies found that women who used talcum powder on their genitals were at a slightly higher risk than those who didn't. However, the studies themselves and the results were not felt to be reliable and the slight increase was most likely a chance result. Further research is needed to get a decisive answer.
Doctors believe that ovarian cancer is related to the number of times you ovulate in your life. So the fewer ovulation cycles you have, the lower your risk of ovarian cancer.
Research has shown that taking the contraceptive pill at some point in your life reduces your chances of getting ovarian cancer. The longer you take it for, the lower your risk becomes, especially if you have taken it for five years or more. Once you stop taking the contraceptive pill, it carries on protecting you from ovarian cancer for at least 20 years.
If you have children, you're less likely to develop ovarian cancer, and the more children you have the lower your risk. Some research suggests that this is also related to the birth of your last child, for example if you have your last child after the age of 35, you're more protected than if you have your last child before the age of 25. Miscarriages and abortions can also reduce your risk of ovarian cancer.
No, there isn't a national ovarian cancer screening programme because tests to spot early ovarian cancer cells aren't effective enough yet. But you can be referred to local genetics services (also known as a family cancer clinic) for screening if you're at high risk.
Research is being carried out in a 10-year study called the UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS) to find reliable tests that may lead to a screening programme.
Some 200,000 women are taking part in the trial to see if routine blood tests and ultrasound scans can detect early ovarian cancer. The initial results are encouraging. Nearly half the cancers were picked up at an early stage compared with only a quarter being detected at this stage at the moment. Final results from the study are expected in 2014.
If you have two relatives from the same side of your family who were diagnosed with ovarian cancer or breast cancer under the age of 40, you may be considered high-risk. Your GP will refer you to a local genetics service where your risk will be assessed.
Ovarian cancer is sometimes called the 'silent killer' because in its early stages there are often no symptoms. This can mean that some women don't know they have it until the cancer has spread.
In early stage ovarian cancer there are frequently no symptoms. If there are any symptoms, they are often vague and can easily be mistaken for other less serious conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The most commonly described symptoms are pain and a bloated feeling in your stomach.
Other symptoms include:
All these symptoms may have less serious causes, but it's best to see your GP for advice if you have developed new symptoms or have any concerns.
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: July 2009