Decades of research has raised awareness of a possible link between talcum powder and cancer.

Specifically, women who use talcum powder, including some types of baby powder that contain talc, for perineal or genital hygiene may be more at risk for developing ovarian cancer.

Talcum powder is made primarily from talc, a mineral containing the elements magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. Used in baby and facial powders, cosmetics, and other consumer products, talc absorbs moisture and can be used to reduce chafing against the skin.

But despite its wide use for decades, talcum powder has been linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancerin some women.

Talc Powder Cancer

Although talc can contain asbestos — a cancer-causing substance — in its natural form, consumer products containing talc have been asbestos-free since the 1970s. But researchers have noted that even modern, asbestos-free products containing talc may increase the risk of ovarian cancer when used in the genital area.

Talc doesn’t break down in the body and can travel through a woman’s vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes into her ovaries, causing irritation and increasing the risk of ovarian cancer.

A study published in Cancer Prevention Research suggests that the use of talcum powder in the genital area by women leads to a 20 percent -30 percent higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. Previous studies have also pointed to an increased risk.

An analysis combining data from 16 studies published before 2003 found about a 30 percent increase in ovarian cancer risk among talc users.  In 2008, Harvard epidemiologist Dr. Margaret Gates reaffirmed that weekly use of talcum powder for perineal use increases the risk for ovarian cancer by 33 percent, and daily use by 41 percent.

Still, even though the link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer has been discussed as far back as the 1970s, to date there is not quite enough known with regards to the quantifiable risk faced by women who use baby powder and the possibility of talc powder cancer.

While studies have been done that labeled this risk as scientifically insignificant, many doctors have criticized these talc powder cancer study conclusions as lacking.  That’s because these studies did not fully look at the potential impact of using these products on a long-term basis.

Talcum Powder Lawsuits

The vast majority of consumers would never think that such a common household product could ever be dangerous, but a recent baby powder lawsuit verdict has brought more attention to the talcum powder ovarian cancer risk.

The baby powder lawsuit in question was held in South Dakota, and Johnson & Johnson, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of these products, was named as the defendant.  The baby powder lawsuit centered on a female plaintiff who had allegedly used baby powder as part of her showering routine for decades.  She was ultimately diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

While the jury did not award the plaintiff any damages, it did find that there was a connection between the use of this product and the plaintiff’s resulting cancer diagnosis.

Many baby powder lawsuits allege that manufacturers of talc-based products have known about the potential causal link between talc and ovarian cancer, but have failed to properly warn consumers.

If you or your mother, sister, daughter, or other loved one developed ovarian cancer after using talcum powder, an experienced talc powder cancer attorney can explain your legal options. You may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost wages.