Talcum powder is popular among many women who use the product daily for feminine hygiene, but the 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. Johnson & Johnson and talc mining companies have argued against these findings and managed to keep the allegedly dangerous product on the shelves for more than 40 years since, without restriction or warnings of any kind.

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 may travel into the ovaries and remain trapped for years. These particles can allegedly 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.

Although 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 risks and the FDA does not require any health warnings on talcum powder labels.

Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawsuits

Some judges and juries do not seem to agree with the FDA or Johnson & Johnson. Since the first baby powder cancer lawsuit was won in 2013, women have continued to file and win similar lawsuits.

A federal jury recently found that talcum contained in some Johnson & Johnson baby 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 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.

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, you may be able to obtain compensation for your pain and suffering through a baby powder cancer lawsuit or class action lawsuit.