Home / Areas of Practice / Defective Products / Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer
Talc is a mineral comprised primarily of magnesium, silicon and oxygen. When talc is ground into powder it can absorb moisture, reduce friction and help prevent rashes. Brands such as Johnson's Baby Powder and Shower to Shower contain talc. When these products are used for feminine hygiene, talc particles can travel into the ovaries and remain there for many years. These particles can cause inflammation and lead to growth of ovarian cancer cells.
Failure to Warn of Ovarian Cancer Risk
Studies done as far back as the 1970's have cited a possible association between talcum powder and ovarian cancer. More recently, The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies the use of talc powder in the genital area as "possibly carcinogenic to humans". One review of data reported in the medical journal Cancer Prevention Research indicated that women who regularly use talcum powder for feminine hygiene may increase their risk of ovarian cancer by 41%. Despite numerous studies talcum powder remained on the market without any warning from the manufacturer.
Lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson
In February 2016, a jury in St. Louis City awarded $72 million in damages on a woman's claim that longtime use of Johnson & Johnson baby powder contributed to the ovarian cancer that killed her. The family of Jackie Fox argued in court that J&J knew about the dangers of using talcum powder for years and hid that information from the public. Ms. Fox died from her ovarian cancer, but not before claiming that her cancer, was caused by J&J talcum powder products.
In April of 2016, a jury in St. Louis County ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $55 million to woman who said that her cancer was caused by longtime use of Johnson's Baby Powder and Shower to Shower.
Certain claims are limited with the passage of time. Accordingly, the time to act is now. If you or a loved one regularly used talc products and developed ovarian cancer, please contact us for a free consultation at 1-877-448-5415.