Talc, a key ingredient in baby powder and other personal care products, is known for its ability to absorb moisture. Talc is a mineral made up of different elements, primarily magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. When talc is finely ground, is helps to reduce friction and absorb moisture. Johnson & Johnson has marketed talcum powder to women for genital hygiene for decades. Many women use talcum powder as a way to stay cool and comfortable and prevent odors.
Talc Powder Increases Ovarian Cancer Risk
A recent study by the American Association for Cancer Prevention found that the use of talcum powder-based products on a woman’s genitals increases the risk of developing ovarian cancer. Habitual use of these products can result in particles of talc traveling into the vagina and settling in the ovaries after traveling through the Fallopian tubes. This can cause cancerous cells to form (and potentially grow and spread) as a result of the ovary becoming irritated by the presence of these particles.
Although ovarian cancer can be difficult to detect, symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, changes in bladder and bowel habits, and overall fatigue. According to the American Cancer Society, in 2020, approximately 22,000 women in the U.S. are expected to be newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and close to 14,000 were expected to succumb to the illness. Ovarian cancer is the fifth highest for cancer deaths among women, accounting for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system.
While not all cases of ovarian cancer are caused by talcum powder, it is reasonably suspected that a significant number of cases each year can be attributed to talc, often without the user being aware of the risks.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using talcum powder, contact the product liability attorneys at Burg Simpson by calling (720) 500-5854 or filling out our FREE case evaluation form today.
Johnson & Johnson Was Aware of the Risk and Did Not Notify Consumers
Although diaphragm and condom manufacturers discontinued the use of talc in their products decades ago because of ovarian cancer concerns, Johnson & Johnson still has not taken steps to warn women of the risk of talcum powder. In 2016, three different juries in St. Louis, MO found that the company knew of the ovarian cancer risk associated with its talc products and failed to warn consumers. Juries awarded multi-million dollar verdicts to the women, although Johnson & Johnson is appealing the results.
However, the company still has not taken steps to warn women of this serious risk. Johnson & Johnson faces thousands of lawsuits by users of its talc-based hygiene powders and who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer as a result. Johnson & Johnson faces thousands of lawsuits by users of its talc-based hygiene powders who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer as a result. Cases are pending in various courts across the country.
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If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer after regularly using talcum powder, contact the experienced product liability lawyers at Burg Simpson. We have decades of experience litigating complicated mass tort cases. Get started with your case today by calling us at (720) 500-5854 or filling out our FREE case evaluation form.
