Recent monetary awards have brought attention to the concern that women’s use of baby powder may be to blame for some cases of ovarian cancer.

In one case, a jury in St. Louis awarded $55 million to Gloria R., who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2011.

In the same court in February, a jury awarded $72 million to the family of Jacqueline F., an Alabama woman who died from ovarian cancer allegedly as a result of decades of baby powder use.

Another jury, considering a baby powder ovarian cancer lawsuit in a South Dakota federal court filed by plaintiff Deanne B., decided in 2013 that J&J was negligent but didn’t award damages.

The Issue with Baby Powder

Talcum powder, commonly known as baby powder, is a white powder primarily made up of the elements magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. When talc is finely ground, it helps to reduce friction and absorb moisture, making it useful for keeping skin dry and preventing rashes.

For many decades, women have used talcum powder to relieve discomfort, odor and moisture in the vaginal area. The question of whether or not this practice leads to serious baby powder side effects such as ovarian cancer.

In geologic formations, talc and asbestos minerals are generally found together, and it is known that asbestos causes cancer. In the past, some talc powders have also contained asbestos, but in recent years, quality assurance programs have minimized that problem. Some modern baby powders also contain cornstarch, which is safe to use.

The cancer problems occur because powders can migrate to the ovaries from the vaginal area. If any powder also contains talc, or as in the old days when talc was mixed with a little asbestos, it can slightly increase the risk of a woman getting ovarian cancer.

Studies on this problem have been done for over three decades, but without substantive conclusions.

According to the International Journal of Gynecological Cancer, frequent baby powder use on the female genital area increases the risk of ovarian cancer between 30–60%.

The more often a woman uses it on her genital area, the more likely she will experience ovarian cancer, according to researchers.

Additional analysis of cancerous ovaries has shown that in some cases, the substances of talc and asbestos have been found to be a cause of that cancerous tissue.

The possibility that this connection exists has sparked new research into this problem. Today, scientists continue to study any possible link between the use of baby powder and ovarian cancer.

Baby Powder Cancer Lawsuits

Unfortunately for some women, the investigation into baby powder side effects comes too late; they already have suffered ovarian cancer or death.

Previous talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuits have established that Johnson & Johnson was negligent in not warning consumers about the dangers of talc associated with ovarian cancer.

Enormous awards have been granted, as much as $72 million to the son of a woman who died from talcum powder ovarian cancer.

If you have been told you have ovarian cancer related to use of baby powder products, or if a loved one died from this problem, an experienced ovarian cancer attorney is your best resource to help you find justice.