Baby Powder & Ovarian Cancer: Talcum Powder Risk
Does baby powder cause ovarian cancer? Potential victims and baby powder cancer lawyers are asking that question as Johnson & Johnson faces thousands of lawsuits alleging that its talc-based baby powder causes ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.
The potential connection between ovarian cancer and baby powder is well documented — as is Johnson & Johnson’s potential negligence in addressing the potential risk.
Here’s what you need to know about potential baby powder ovarian cancer risk:
Talcum Powder, Asbestos Contamination and Ovarian Cancer: What’s the Risk?
For decades, Johnson & Johnson has used talcum powder from talc — the world’s softest mineral — to manufacture its popular Baby Powder. In addition to being used on babies to reduce friction and the risk of rash, talc-based baby powder has often been for feminine hygiene in the genital area.
However, investigations and court filings have shown that since the 1970s, Johnson & Johnson executives have feared that the company’s talcum powder may have been contaminated with potentially mesothelioma and ovarian cancer-causing asbestos.
According to the New York Times, in 1971 a Johnson & Johnson executive wrote in a memo to company leadership that its baby powder might be contaminated with asbestos, which can potentially cause ovarian cancer among other types. He recommended that the company “upgrade” the talc used in the baby powder product.
The New York Times investigation and court filings also revealed that another executive raised alarm just two years later, writing in yet another memo that the talc-based baby powder sometimes contained material that “might be classified as asbestos.”
Johnson & Johnson has continually defended its actions, and the company maintains that its talc-based baby powder is safe. However, in recent years, thousands of baby powder cancer lawsuits have been filed against the company, alleging that baby powder causes ovarian cancer, endometrial ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.
In early 2019, a federal judge ruled that scientific experts may testify that Johnson & Johnson baby powder may cause cancer.
Asbestos-Contaminated Baby Powder May Cause Ovarian Cancer
In 2019, the FDA dropped a bombshell: samples of Johnson & Johnson baby powder had tested positive for potentially mesothelioma and ovarian cancer-causing asbestos. In response, Johnson & Johnson issued a voluntary baby powder recall, but continued to defend the product and its actions.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer lists ovarian cancer as one of four types of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.
In a landmark report on the connection between asbestos and ovarian cancer, IARC researchers concluded that “there is sufficient evidence for a causal association between exposure to asbestos and ovarian cancer.”
“There is sufficient evidence for a causal association between exposure to asbestos and ovarian cancer.”
-International Agency for Research on Cancer
Because many women have used talc-based baby powder in their genital areas, they are at particularly high risk of ovarian cancer potentially caused by baby powder.
Those who have used potentially asbestos-contaminated Johnson & Johnson baby powder and been diagnosed with ovarian cancer (or mesothelioma), may be entitled to significant financial compensation.
You deserve justice, and if using Johnson & Johnson baby powder caused your ovarian cancer, we are committed to holding the manufacturer accountable.
For a FREE consultation with a product liability lawyer regarding your potential baby powder ovarian cancer claim, please call 1-800-525-7111.
There is no obligation and you won’t pay any attorney fees unless we win your case and you receive compensation for your suffering.
Please call 1-800-525-7111 today to speak with a baby powder ovarian cancer lawyer today.
UPDATE: In mid-2021, the Supreme Court rejected an appeal by Johnson & Johnson to reject a $2.21 billion verdict in a lawsuit by 22 women who alleged that the company’s talc-based products caused their ovarian cancer. Given the size of the judgment and Johnson & Johnson’s dwindling legal options, a potential global talcum powder settlement seems more likely to be negotiated in the near future.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a substance composed of naturally occurring silicate minerals. The material is fibrous, long and thin, and can appear similar to delicate crystals. For decades, asbestos has been used in various building materials including insulation, as the mineral is an effective insulator.
Asbestos is also highly dangerous and can cause cancer, including ovarian cancer.
The reason that asbestos is so dangerous is because its thin, fibrous material can break down into tiny, microscopic crystals that can seriously damage the lungs when inhaled. This damage can result in the development of mesothelioma cancer.
However, women who have used potentially asbestos-contaminated baby powder around their genital area may be at greater risk for ovarian cancer.
What is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer is a dangerous form of cancer that develops in a woman’s ovaries. It can be especially dangerous because it often spreads undetected for months or longer, and can be much more difficult to treat in later stages.
Ovarian cancer is often not diagnosed until it has spread throughout the pelvis or abdomen.
In the United States, ovarian cancer ranks 5th in cancer deaths among women. The American Cancer Society reports that a woman’s risk of developing ovarian cancer in her lifetime is approximately 1 in 78, and a woman’s chance of dying of ovarian cancer is roughly 1 in 108.
However, there may be a baby powder ovarian cancer connection and these chances of development and death may be significantly higher for women affected by potential asbestos-contamination in talcum powder.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer can be difficult to detect in part because there are often no symptoms in earlier stages of the disease.
According to the Mayo Clinic, in later stages of ovarian cancer, women may experience any or all of the following ovarian cancer symptoms:
- Pain in the abdomen or pelvis
- Bloating
- Bowel habit changes
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Abdominal fullness
- Fluid in the abdomen
- A lump or lumps in the abdomen
- Loss of appetite
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Weight loss
IMPORTANT: These may not be all the symptoms associated with ovarian cancer. If you believe you may have symptoms of ovarian cancer, talk with a doctor immediately.
Ovarian cancer — such as that possibly connected to Johnson & Johnson baby powder — can be deadly, especially if discovered in later stages when treatment becomes more difficult.
However, if caught early, ovarian cancer can be more treatable, and the chances of survival are significantly higher.
Have you been diagnosed with ovarian cancer potentially caused by Johnson & Johnson baby powder?
If you’ve used Johnson & Johnson talc-based baby powder and been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, endometrial ovarian cancer, or mesothelioma, you may qualify for a baby powder cancer lawsuit or settlement and be entitled to significant financial compensation.
Please call 1-800-525-7111 today for a FREE, no-obligation consultation with an injury attorney handling baby powder ovarian cancer claims.
The consultation is 100% confidential and free, and there are no upfront costs or attorney fees unless we win your case and you receive compensation.
Cancer potentially eligible for a Johnson & Johson baby powder cancer claim include:
- Ovarian cancer
- Endometrial ovarian cancer
- Mesothelioma
IMPORTANT: In order to qualify, you must have used Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder or Shower-to-Shower talcum powder continuously for 4+ years, have been diagnosed in 2009 or later, and have used the talcum powder product prior to menopause.
You don’t have to go through this alone. Please call 1-800-525-7111.
Riddle & Brantley has been holding negligent manufacturers accountable for dangerous products for decades. If you’ve been diagnosed with ovarian cancer potentially due to asbestos-contaminated Johnson & Johnson baby powder, we believe that’s wrong and you deserve justice.
Our experienced baby powder cancer lawsuit attorneys are led by Gene Riddle, an experienced injury and product liability attorney who is a member of Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Super Lawyers, and The National Trial Lawyers Top 100. He received the 2014 Litigator Award in recognition of his legal accomplishments and additionally has a prestigious AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell (see disclaimer below).
In one recent asbestos cancer case, we helped secure a total settlement of $800,000 for our client (see disclaimer below). We would love to help you however we can.
We believe Justice Counts for those who have potentially suffered due to baby powder ovarian cancer risk. Please call 1-800-525-7111 and let’s discuss your case.
*** Disclaimer: The results mentioned are intended to illustrate the type of cases handled by the firm. These results do not guarantee a similar outcome, and they should not be construed to constitute a promise or guarantee of a particular result in any particular case. Every case is different, and the outcome of any case depends upon a variety of factors unique to that case.
*** Disclaimer: An attorney must meet certain requirements to join these organizations or receive these awards. For more information on Membership Criteria for Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, and the Litigator Award, please visit our Membership Criteria page. These awards and memberships should not be construed as a promise or guarantee of a similar result. Each case is different and must be evaluated separately.