Ovarian cancer begins as an abnormal growth of malignant cells in the ovaries. Risks factors for developing this type of cancer include heredity, childbearing history, use of fertility drugs and hormone replacement therapy. Ongoing research is identifying environmental risk factors as causes of ovarian cancer.
Herbicide Exposure
According to the website EMcom, research suggests that malignant ovarian cancer is possibly endocrine related and hormone dependent. This links pesticides and herbicides with endocrine disruptive activity as an environmental cause of cancer. Atrazine, which is the most commonly used herbicide in the United States, causes serious adverse health effects including ovarian cancer. Research cited on the website of the National Ground Water Association suggests that atrazine is a carcinogen that targets the reproductive system Data collected from 43 states showed that atrazine was present in the drinking water in approximately 1,373 water systems in the United States. The use of powdered activated carbon effectively filters atrazine to some extent. The filtration of drinking water with activated carbon in treatment vessels reduces atrazine to non-detectable levels.
Ionizing Radiation Exposure
The Center for Environmental Health Studies offers supporting evidence that exposure to ionizing radiation causes ovarian cancer. Atomic bomb survivors, workers at nuclear power facilities and female employees at the Los Alamos National Laboratory showed an increased incidence in death from ovarian cancer. Ionizing radiation enters the earth's atmosphere from outer space, radioactive fallout following nuclear power plant accidents and the production, testing and use of atomic weapons. The cell damage caused by ionizing radiation leads to cancer.
Use of Talc
Talc is a magnesium trisilicate mineral that in its natural state contains asbestos. Asbestos is a recognized carcinogen. Since 1983, talcum powder, baby powder and facial powder have been required by law to be asbestos-free. However, the American Cancer Society says that several studies have looked at talc as a cause of ovarian cancer. It has been suggested that contact with talcum powder particles may have a carcinogenic effect on outer layer of the ovaries. Talc particles found in talcum powder applied to the genital area, on sanitary pads, diaphragms or condoms travel through the vagina, uterus and fallopian tubes to the ovaries. According to the American Cancer Society, a recent study showed an overall 37 percent increase in ovarian cancer among women who use talc.
