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Talcum powder is a popular choice for many women who use it daily for feminine hygiene. Yet this trusted household product may be responsible for causing a serious and deadly form of ovarian cancer in thousands of women each year.

The link between Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder and ovarian cancer dates back as early as 1971, when a study of ovarian cancer patients revealed talc particles in their ovarian tissues. Yet Johnson & Johnson and talc mining companies have argued against these findings and managed to keep their dangerous product on the shelves for 40 more years without restriction or warnings of any kind.

We are currently reviewing claims from women who developed ovarian cancer after using a Johnson & Johnson powder product. Request a free case evaluation today!

Talcum Powder & Ovarian Cancer

Talc is a mineral comprised primarily of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. When ground into powder, talc can absorb moisture and reduce friction. Talcum powder is widely used to help keep skin dry and prevent rashes. When used on the genitals, however, dangerous talc particles can travel into the ovaries and remain trapped for years. These particles can cause inflammation and lead to the growth of ovarian cancer cells.

Research suggests that talcum powder can contribute to cancer in the ovaries if particles enter the body through the vagina. One review of data reported in the medical journal Cancer Prevention Research indicated that women who regularly use talc-based powder for feminine hygiene might increase their risk of ovarian cancer by about 41 percent.

Following the 1971 study, numerous studies were published pointing to the link between talc and ovarian cancer. In 1992, a study found that regular use of baby powder increased the risk of developing ovarian cancer threefold. In 2010, a Harvard study concluded that talc in baby powder was carcinogenic to humans. Yet talcum powder remained on the market unregulated and without any warning from the manufacturer.

Failure to Warn of Ovarian Cancer Risk

Despite numerous studies that pointed to the connection between talc and ovarian cancer, neither Johnson & Johnson nor the FDA has ever warned American consumers of the risks. Even though the Department of Health and Human Services has concluded that regular baby powder application leads to higher rates of ovarian cancer, Johnson & Johnson continues to deny the connections and the risks.

Luckily, judges and juries are not in agreement with the FDA or Johnson & Johnson. The first baby powder cancer lawsuit was recently won in 2013. A federal jury recently found that talcum contained in some Johnson & Johnson powders contributed to a woman's ovarian cancer.

The plaintiff in this case was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2006, after about 30 years of using talcum-based Johnson & Johnson powders-including the popular Shower-to-Shower body powder-as part of her personal hygiene routine. The jury found that Johnson & Johnson failed to warn consumers of a link between the use of talc-based powder for feminine hygiene and a heightened risk of ovarian cancer.

This outcome gives hope to the thousands of women who have developed ovarian cancer after using talc-based products. At least one state attorney general's office is investigating Johnson & Johnson's promotion of talcum powder products for feminine hygiene, and the company faces additional pending claims on behalf of women who developed ovarian cancer following the regular use of its talc-based powders.

Our accomplished lawyers are dedicated to protecting consumers through class action and individual litigation, and we have an extensive record of success helping injury victims and their families recover the financial security they need to move forward with their lives. We believe in holding negligent manufacturers and companies responsible for the dangerous products they market.

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If you or a family member was diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using a talcum-based Johnson & Johnson powder product, such as Shower to Shower or Johnson's Baby Powder, for feminine hygiene, please contact Golomb & Honik, P.C. today for your free consultation. Our consumer class action attorneys welcome clients from the greater Philadelphia area, throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and nationwide.