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It’s scary to think of a cancer diagnosis. Ovarian cancer is the 5th most common cause of cancer-related deaths among female-at-birth people in the United States. Thankfully, there are many steps that you can take to reduce your likelihood of developing ovarian cancer, including avoiding talcum powder.

Here, we’ll take a look at five concrete steps that you can take today to lower your ovarian cancer risk.

1. Consider taking birth control pills 

Research shows that taking birth control pills for five years or more can significantly lower the risk of developing certain reproductive cancers, including ovarian cancer. Other hormonal methods of birth control (such as a hormonal IUD) have the same effect. 

There are many considerations when choosing the right type of birth control for your body, so it’s important to talk with your doctor about whether hormonal birth control could be a good fit for your needs. There’s no need to stay on the pill forever to harness the cancer-prevention benefits of hormonal birth control. The effects of the pill that reduce cancer risk remain for many years after cessation of use. 

2. Avoid talcum powder 

Talcum powder has been used in baby powder and other cosmetic products for many years. Some forms of talc contain asbestos, a carcinogenic substance. 

Research shows that women who have regularly applied powders containing talc to the genital area may be at an increased risk for ovarian cancer. For decades, products containing talcum powder were advertised to women for personal hygiene purposes. Many women believed that they were making a healthy choice when applying talcum powder to their genital area. 

Often, parents used baby powder containing talc on female infants, potentially increasing their risk for developing ovarian cancer later in life. Parents who used talcum powder were typically following advice on how to properly care for their child and reduce their risk of health issues. 

Sadly, this was not the case, and women who have used baby powder or other talcum powder may be more likely to develop ovarian cancer. If you’ve used talcum powder on your genital area, it’s important to stop using the product and talk with your doctor about an ovarian cancer screening.

3. Adopt a plant-based diet

People who do not eat meat have lower rates of cancer than people who do eat meat. People who do not eat any animal products at all (including dairy) have the lowest rates of cancer.

Eating fewer animal products can make it less likely that you’ll develop cancer than eating a diet heavy in animal products. If you don’t want to give up animal products entirely, think about adding more plant-based foods into your diet, or going vegetarian for one day each week. 

Remember, changing your diet is a journey, and usually doesn’t happen overnight. Taking small steps toward eating a wide variety of healthy foods will slowly improve your health over time. 

If you’re struggling to make lasting changes in your diet, you’re not alone. It can be hard to break long-standing nutrition habits. Working with a licensed dietician or nutritionist can help you change your behaviors in a way that creates long-term positive change.

4. Maintain a healthy weight 

There is a link between being overweight and developing cancer. It’s estimated that about 11% of female cancers in the United States are related to being overweight. 

While sugar is not directly related to the development of cancer, excess sugar intake is related to weight gain. Cutting down on processed sugars can be helpful in maintaining a healthy weight. Getting rid of sugary drinks (such as sweet coffee, tea, and soda) can be a smart place to start reducing your sugar intake while still enjoying the foods that you love. 

Maintaining a healthy level of physical activity and getting plenty of sleep can also go a long way to help you maintain a healthy weight. If you’re struggling to get to a weight that’s a good fit for your body, be sure to talk with your doctor about steps you can take to improve your health.

5. See your doctor regularly

It’s important to see your physician on a regular basis to discuss your cancer risk and undergo screenings that could detect cancer in its early stages. When you’re feeling good, it can be easy to put off checkups to another time. Doing so, however, removes the chance to have a valuable conversation with your physician about simple lifestyle changes that you could make to improve the length and quality of your life. If you can’t remember the last time you had a checkup, be sure to reach out to your doctor and schedule a wellness check appointment. 

Have You Been Diagnosed With Ovarian Cancer After Using Talcum Powder? You Don’t Have To Go Through This Alone

If you’ve used body care products containing talcum powder and have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, it’s normal to feel angry and frustrated. We’re here to help. Reach out to us today for a free case evaluation to discuss whether you may be entitled to financial compensation.