Saturday July 2, 2016 (foodconsumer.org) -- A study scheduled to be presented at the 27th International Nursing research congress on July, 23 2016 in Cape Town, South Africa suggests that use of body powder on the genital area and douching could increase risk of ovarian cancer.

For the study led by Sandra Cesario, Ph. D., at Nelda C. Stark College of Nursing Texas Woman's University, in Houston, Texas, 1274 women aged at 18 to 76 years completed an online survey with 553 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer, 91 with another cancer and 630 women without any cancer. 

Women who used douches were more likely than those who did not use to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer.  Among users, 33% developed ovarian cancer, compared to 22.4% among non-users.  Douching was associated with 34% increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.

"Douche usually refers to vaginal irrigation, the rinsing of the vagina, but it can also refer to the rinsing of any body cavity," for medical or hygienic reasons, according to wikipedia.

Additionally, the study found among women using talcum powder on the genital area, 54.4% developed ovarian cancer compared to 39.9% among those non-users.  Genital talcum use was also associated with 76% increased risk for ovarian cancer.

When both body powder and douching  were used, the risk for developing ovarian cancer was even greater.

Frequently using tampons was not associated with ovarian cancer though.  (David Liu)