A recent study is one of many that have suggested an ovarian cancer and talcum powder risk for women who use talc-based powder for personal hygiene.

The study was published in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention. Researchers from Germany and the United States concluded that there was a statistically significant link between the use of talcum powder in the genital area and a type of ovarian cancer known as serous carcinoma.

A link between talcum powder use and ovarian cancer was suspected as far back as 1971, when researchers found that particles of talc were embedded deeply within most of the ovarian tumors that they had examined – suggesting that talc could travel from the outer genital area up into the ovaries.

The most recent study used a meta-analysis of nearly 30 trials which included data from more than 300,000 women. The researchers analyzed the data in several different ways to get varied perspectives on a potential association.

Researchers found that women who used talc around their genital area for any amount of time had a 22% increased risk of developing cancer. Further analysis revealed that women had a 24% increased risk of developing serous carcinoma, a type of ovarian cancer where the ovary lining secretes a serum-like substance.

“This meta-analysis suggest that genital powder use is associated with a small increased risk of developing ovarian cancer; however, this positive association appears to be limited to the serous histologic type, and to case-control studies,” the researchers stated in their conclusion.

“This estimate is somewhat lower than that of previous meta-analyses: in our cumulative meta-analysis we confirmed the trend toward lower overall risk estimates as more evidence accumulated.”

The researchers went on to state that their research could not confirm a causal link based on the study’s design, but that the association was statistically significant nevertheless.

Filing a Lawsuit over Ovarian Cancer and Talcum Powder Risk

Plaintiffs in thousands of talcum powder lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson have alleged that the talc contained in Johnson’s Baby Powder or Shower to Shower caused them to develop ovarian cancer after they used the product as part of their feminine hygiene routine.

These women, and their loved ones in the case of deceased plaintiffs, have noted that studies have shown an association between ovarian cancer and talcum powder risk for decades, yet Johnson & Johnson has failed to warn consumers in its product labels and advertisements about this talcum powder risk.

These plaintiffs also alleged that Johnson & Johnson has been aware of the association of the ovarian cancer and talcum powder risk for decades, but still marketed its products for women to use to keep odor and wetness at bay.

In 2016, trials were conducted in a few of the thousands of pending talcum powder lawsuits went to trial against Johnson & Johnson over allegations the company failed to warn about the risk of cancer. In three of these cases, the juries found that Johnson & Johnson was liable and rewarded the plaintiffs more than $50 million in each case. Additional trials are set to take place later this year.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer after having used Johnson’s Baby Powder, you may be eligible to seek legal compensation from the manufacturer. An experienced attorney can review your case and can explain your legal options to you in a free case review.