Studies have shown that the use of talcum powder may increase a woman’s risk of developing ovarian cancer. Often termed the “silent killer,” ovarian cancer is considered one of the most deadly cancers in women. It often develops without symptoms and is difficult to detect in its early stages. It is for this reason that it frequently remains undiagnosed until it has metastasized, meaning it has spread to other organs.
Many women use talcum powder, or baby powder, as part of their personal hygiene regimen. The most well-known brands are perhaps Johnson & Johnson’s Shower to Shower and Johnson’s Baby Powder, but there are many others. The main ingredient is talc, a mineral composed of hydrated magnesium silicate. When used in the genital area, or dusted on sanitary pads, tampons, or diaphragms, the tiny particles can migrate into the body and reach the ovaries.
In a study published in 2013 in the journal Cancer Prevention Research, investigators at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston pooled data comparing talcum powder use of 8,525 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer with that of 9,859 controls (women who remained cancer-free). The results showed that regular application of talcum powder in the genital area raised the risk of developing an ovarian tumor by 24 percent.
In a 2013 case brought by a woman who had developed ovarian cancer after approximately 30 years of dusting with Johnson & Johnson’s Shower to Shower product, a Harvard epidemiologist testified that this type of dusting leads to approximately 10,000 new cases of ovarian cancer each year–45% of new cases annually. The jury ruled in favor of the plaintiff.
Many more cases are being filed nationwide against talcum powder manufacturers as well as talc mining companies who have been alleged to have failed to warn female consumers of the risks of genital dusting.
While Johnson & Johnson has the greatest share of the market, there are several other manufacturers of talc-based personal care products. This includes but is not limited to:
If you were diagnosed with ovarian cancer after having used talcum powder, baby powder, or any other talc-based product or product, speak with a talcum powder lawyer. You may be legally entitled to settlement for medical costs, loss of income, and other damages. An attorney will be able to help you determine if you have a viable claim.
Grant & Eisenhofer P.A.attorneys are investigating the scientific research linking the use of talcum powder in the genital region to ovarian cancer. If you or a loved one is or was a user of any brand or brand of talcum powder and have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, please contact us. You can reach our legal team by submitting an online form.
