Talcum Powder - Ovarian Cancer
Women Who Use Talcum Powder at Greater Risk Ovarian Cancer
Studies for years have linked the regular use of talcum powder to a greater risk of ovarian cancer. Over the past few years, juries have awarded more than $300 million dollars in verdicts in four cases where women alleged that their use of Johnson & Johnson talcum products caused them to develop ovarian cancer.
The juries, which found in part that the company was negligent for not disclosing the potential cancer risk on its product packaging, awarded:
- A $110 million award to a 62-year-old woman who said her use of talcum products over four decades caused her to develop ovarian cancer, which was diagnosed in 2012
- $55 million in May 2016 to a St. Louis woman who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2011
- The same court in February 2016 awarded $72 million to the family of an Alabama woman who died from ovarian cancer
- Another jury awarded a California woman was awarded $70.1 million in her talcum powder lawsuit
It was determined that the company was negligent because there was no warning label on products advising consumers of the potential risks involved with their talcum powder products.
The first class-action lawsuit was filed in 2014 alleging that the talcum powder produced by several large companies– Johnson & Johnson, Gold Bond, and Avon among others –caused ovarian cancer.
Studies: The Link Between Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer
Talcum powder absorbs moisture, helps reduce friction and can help eliminate odor, but many women who regularly use products containing talc in the genital area are at a greater risk of developing ovarian cancer.
One medical study concluded that women who regularly used talcum products that came into contact with their reproductive systems had a 30 percent greater chance of developing ovarian cancer. Data from a 2015 Nurse's Health Study suggested the percentage could be even greater—concluding that use of talcum powder could increase a woman's risk of developing one specific type of ovarian cancer by as much as 40 percent.
It's believed that Johnson & Johnson has been aware of the potential for dangerous side effects such as ovarian tumors and cancer for some time, but did not disclose the risk to consumers.
Johnson & Johnson has indicated it will appeal the rulings. Lawsuits against Gold Bond, Avon, and other companies are still pending.
If You Were Diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer After Using Talcum Powder Let Us Help
If you or someone you love were diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using talcum powder or another talc-related product, be sure to save those products and their packaging information and call the legal professionals at Edgar Snyder & Associates.
We can help you:
- Understand your legal rights
- Determine if you have a legal case
- Help answer your legal questions
- Navigate the process of filing suit for damages caused by a defective product
We will work hard to ensure you get fair compensation for your diagnosis. Call us today at 1-866-943-3427 to set up a free consultation for your claim. There's never an obligation to use our services, and there's never a fee unless we get money for you.