Research shows that as many as 10,000 cases of talcum powder-related ovarian cancer are diagnosed every year. How does talcum powder cause ovarian cancer? Products such as Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower body powder have a naturally occurring mineral called talc. This mineral shares similar properties with asbestos, another mineral linked to deadly cancers. Contact a nationwide talcum powder injury lawyer Today.
When women apply talc-based baby powder to the genital area, talc particles can enter the vagina, travel through the fallopian tubes, and enter the ovaries. Once these particles reach the ovaries, they can embed into the lining, causing irritation and inflammation in healthy tissue. Over time, this inflammation can result in the formation of cancerous cells.
30% More Likely To Develop Ovarian Cancer
Women who regularly use talcum powder in the genital area have an increased rate of developing ovarian cancer. In fact, according to the Journal of Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, these women may be 30 percent more likely to develop the disease.
Failure To Warn
The worst part of this whole disaster is that manufacturers of talc-based products may have known about these risks back in the 80’s. A 1982 Harvard Medical School study linked the use of talcum powder in the genital area to a risk of developing ovarian cancer. Multiple studies confirming the Harvard study were published in scientific journals throughout the 80’s and 90’s. In fact, a 1992 study urged companies such as Johnson & Johnson to label their talc-based products with warnings about the risk. Despite this knowledge, Johnson & Johnson failed to put warning labels on its products.
African-American Women Most Affected
A study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that about 75 percent of tissue in ovarian tumors contained talc particles. Furthermore, African-American women are at an increased risk of talcum-powder related ovarian cancer due to increased marketing efforts for these products within the black community.
As more women with ovarian cancer come forward, claiming they used talcum powder for decades, lawsuits are starting to mount. In February 2016, Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay $72 million in damages when an Alabama woman developed the deadly cancer from using baby powder. Only three months later, the company had to pay $55 million to a South Dakota woman with a similar diagnosis.
The Goldwater Law Firm – Nationwide Injury Lawyers
If you or a loved one has developed ovarian cancer after using any type of talc-based product, the skilled injury team at the Goldwater Law Firm can help. We will make sure you understand your rights and options before moving forward with litigation. Johnson & Johnson, and other manufacturers of talc-based products, knew about these risks but failed to warn the public. They should be held accountable for their negligence. If you’ve been injured, we can help. Our law firm has an impressive track record of obtaining compensation for clients. Contact the Goldwater Law Firm for a free and confidential consultation today.