Do you use talcum powder as part of your feminine hygiene routine? If so, you want to take a close look at the latest news linking talcum powder to ovarian cancer. As the number of ovarian cancer lawsuits rise, talcum powder sales decline as more women learn about the link between baby powder containing talc and ovarian cancer.
What is Talcum Powder?
Talcum powder is one of the main ingredients in Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder and its Shower-to-Shower products. Talc is a mineral composed mainly of silicon, magnesium, and oxygen. Because talc is very efficient in absorbing moisture, it is a popular ingredient in baby powder and other powders designed to keep the skin dry and to prevent moisture rashes.
Talc is mined from rock masses that often contain asbestos. The inhalation of talc has been linked to mesothelioma due to asbestos-contaminated talc. The American Academy of Pediatrics has been warning parents since the 1960s and continues to warn parents about the potential danger of using baby powder. Now studies have shown that baby powder and other feminine hygiene products containing talcum powder have been linked with ovarian cancer.
Ovarian Cancer Linked to Talcum Powder Use
A case-control study reported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that women who used talcum powder doubled their risk of developing ovarian cancer compared to women who did not use products containing talc. The study also found that talcum powder used regularly on genitals or sanitary pads tripled the risk for ovarian cancer. A recent study linked the genital use of talcum powder by African-American women increased the risk of ovarian cancer by forty-four percent.
Johnson and Johnson has continued to deny claims that its products cause ovarian cancer. In a statement reported by CNN regarding J&J’s products, a J&J spokesperson stated, “Multiple scientific and regulatory reviews have determined that talc is safe for use in cosmetic products and the labeling on Johnson’s Baby Powder is appropriate.” However, juries around the country have disagreed with J&J on the safety of their product and the sufficiency of the warnings regarding the potential danger for ovarian cancer with continued use.
Ovarian Cancer and Talcum Powder Lawsuits
Johnson and Johnson is facing thousands of lawsuits alleging women have developed ovarian cancer due to the continued use of baby powder and other J&J products containing talcum powder.
The first talcum powder lawsuit was filed by a 59 year old woman who developed advanced cancer in her ovaries at the age of forty-nine. Ms. Berg relied on numerous studies related to talcum powder and cancer. One study from 1971 found particles of talc embedded in cervical tumors and ovarian tumors. Johnson and Johnson alleges the research in the studies is flawed and puts forth its own studies. A jury agreed with Ms. Berg and ruled in her favor but did not award any damages in the case. Other cases have proven to be more damaging for J&J.
In February of this year, Johnson and Johnson was ordered to pay $72 million to the family of a woman who died from ovarian cancer. The family alleges she developed ovarian cancer after using J&J products containing talcum powder. Jurors in St. Louis ordered J&J to pay $10 million in compensatory damages and $62 million in punitive damages to the family. Internal company documents helped convince the jurors to rule in favor of the plaintiffs.
A jury in Missouri awarded a woman who developed ovarian cancer after using Johnson & Johnson talcum powder products $55 million in damages in May of this year. This was the second talcum powder lawsuit J&J lost this year. Gloria Ristesund was diagnosed with ovarian cancer after years of using J&J Baby Powder and Shower-to-Shower Powder on her genitals. The jury awarded Ristesund $5 million in compensatory damages and $50 million in punitive damages.
Have You Been Diagnosed With Ovarian Cancer After Using Talcum Powder Products?
If so, you need to consult with a defective product attorney as soon as possible. You may have a claim against the manufacturer for damages related to your ovarian cancer.
Contact the Goldwater Law Firm for a free case evaluation. Let our attorneys help you hold the party or parties responsible for your cancer accountable for their actions. Time is limited to file a claim — contact us today!