Black Women and Ovarian Cancer

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are defined by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences as compounds that interfere with the proper functioning of the endocrine system. They are also known as endocrine disruptors or hormonally-active chemicals. They can block hormone receptors, mimic natural estrogen, and bind to estrogen receptors. Because of the way that the body’s endocrine system functions, small changes in the levels of hormones can result in significant biological changes. This means that even very small doses of endocrine disruptors can have major detrimental effects on the body. EDCs can be found in everyday consumer products such as food packaging, furniture, outerwear, cosmetics, toys, and more. Common classes of EDCs include:

• Phthalates make plastics softer and more flexible. 
• Parabens act as preservatives.
• Bisphenols, such as Bisphenol A (BPA) and Bisphenol F (BPF), make plastics tougher and clearer. 
• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are “forever chemicals” that help increase resistance to stains, water, oil, and grease. 
• Triclosan is designed to kill dangerous microorganisms. as found by Ratika Samtani, PhD. 
• Flame Retardants increase fire resistance.
• Dioxins are manufacturing byproducts found in the air, soil, and water.

EDCs may contribute to ovarian cancer risk by:

• Hormonal disruption: EDCs can act like or block estrogen, a hormone that controls the growth of reproductive organs, including the ovaries. When this hormone is disrupted, it can cause abnormal cell growth in the ovaries. According to researcher Julie Hall at Campbell University, this growth may lead to ovarian cancer.
• Inflammation and oxidative stress: EDCs can cause long-term inflammation and damage in the body, which can increase the risk of cancer, states the National Cancer Institute. These harmful effects can damage DNA and make it harder for cells in the ovaries to repair themselves, leading to a higher chance of ovarian cancer.
• Epigenetic changes: EDCs can change how genes work without changing the DNA itself. These changes can affect how cells grow, die, or repair, potentially leading to the development of ovarian cancer. Epigenetic changes can be passed down to future generations, making them potentially more susceptible to ovarian cancer, even if they have had limited exposure to EDCs, as found by Ratika Samtani, PhD. 

Many beauty and hair care products marketed toward Black women contain harmful chemicals like phthalates, parabens, and formaldehyde, which are EDCs. Studies have shown that up to 95% of Black women have used these products and tend to use these products more frequently, leading to higher exposure. For example, hair relaxers and skin lighteners often contain these harmful substances, and long-term use may contribute to reproductive health issues, including cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. Frequent use (more than four times a year) of hair straighteners and relaxers, more than four times a year, was associated with twice the risk of ovarian cancer compared to people who never used them, as found by Alexandra White, PhD. 

Of course, EDC’s are not the only substances that can cause cancer. Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements that can be toxic to the human body even at low levels of exposure. Heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, mercury, and arsenic are found in the environment through industrial activities, contaminated food, and polluted water and air. These metals can accumulate in the body over time and disrupt various biological systems, including the reproductive system, states the Cleveland Clinic. Common heavy metals include: 

• Cadmium is found in batteries, certain fertilizers, and cigarette smoke. It can also contaminate food and water through industrial pollution.
• Lead is found in old paint, pipes, and contaminated soil and water. It is commonly found in areas with older infrastructure.
• Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in groundwater, contaminated soil, and some industrial products like pesticides.
• Mercury is found in thermometers, dental amalgam fillings, and some fish due to water pollution.

Heavy metals may contribute to ovarian cancer risk through:

• DNA Damage & Mutations: Heavy metals can cause direct damage to DNA by interfering with the body’s natural DNA repair processes. This damage makes it easier for cells to develop cancer-causing mutations. Ovarian cells are highly sensitive to DNA-damaging agents like heavy metals, states Maria-Pilar Barretina-Ginesta, MD,, and are therefore highly susceptible to these mutations. 
• Hormonal Disruption: Like EDCs, some heavy metals, like cadmium, can act like the hormone estrogen. Cadmium can bind to estrogen receptors, causing abnormal, uncontrolled cell growth in the ovaries. This growth greatly increases the risk of ovarian cancer. Gabriela Furtak, a researcher at the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, confirms the relationship between high urinary cadmium concentrations and an increase in the incidence of ovarian cancer. 
• Immune System Suppression: Heavy metals, particularly lead and arsenic, can also weaken the immune system’s ability to recognize and eliminate abnormal cells, states Irina Lehmann, PhD,. A weakened immune system allows cancer cells to grow and multiply unchecked, increasing the likelihood of ovarian cancer development. 

Black women may be disproportionately affected by heavy metal exposure due to higher rates of environmental and occupational exposure. Environmental racism, the unequal distribution of environmental hazards based on race, forces a disproportionate amount of Black people to live near industrial zones or contaminated areas. This increases the risk of contact with harmful heavy metals. Studies from the National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences indicate that Black women are more likely to reside in areas with higher levels of heavy metal pollution, leading to a greater risk of exposure and the subsequent health effects. Additionally, some products used predominantly by women of color such as skin-lightening products contain mercury, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

The relationship between talcum powder and ovarian cancer has been a topic of ongoing debate and research. Talc, a mineral commonly used in baby powders and cosmetic products for its moisture-absorbing properties, has raised concerns due to the possibility that particles could travel to the ovaries and cause inflammation, potentially leading to cancer over time. Some studies have suggested a slight increase in the risk of ovarian cancer among women who use talcum powder in the genital area, but the evidence is inconsistent. Some research shows a small association, while others find no link at all. Organizations like the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute note that the evidence is mixed and not strong enough to definitively conclude that talc causes ovarian cancer, emphasizing the need for further research. 

While most talcum powders today are asbestos-free, because talc is mined from the Earth, some talcum powders contain asbestos, a substance known to cause cancer. An investigation by Reuters revealed that Johnson and Johnson knew since the 1970s that their baby powder contained traces of asbestos and withheld this information from both their consumers and regulators.

In 2006, the World Health Organization declared products that contained talcum powder as “possibly carcinogenic.” A special report by Reuters revealed that after this declaration, Johnson and Johnson feared their sales would go down and specifically targeted Black women and Hispanic women in their advertisements of baby powder even though they knew their products were linked to cancer.

In an effort to target minority women, Johnson & Johnson distributed samples of baby powder in churches and salons located in Black and Hispanic communities. They ran a $300,000 radio advertisement campaign, which they stated in a 2006 internal marketing meeting was targeted at “curvy Southern women 18-49 skewing African American,” as stated in an article by NPR journalist, Joe Hernandez. J&J now faces over 25,000 lawsuits from users reporting that their cancers are the result of the company’s products. 

Black women use baby powder at higher rates than women of any other ethnic group, cites a 2016 study conducted by Daniel W. Cramer, MD, ScD. This study also showed that Black women who use talc-based baby powders have a 40% increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.