The validity of baby power cancer risk from talcum powder products is in debate with consumers and the medical community.

Many women use baby powder products as part of their daily hygiene routine. Because talcum powder products are used on babies, many consumers may assume that the baby powder cancer risk is minor.

And yet, thousands of women have filed ovarian cancer lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson, claiming that the pharmaceutical giant’s talcum powder products caused significant baby powder cancer risk without adequate warning.

The first woman to file an ovarian cancer lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson for baby powder cancer risk was Deane B. When Deane was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 49, she could not find any risk factors in her life other than her daily use of baby powder for the last 30 years or so.

Studies Support Baby Powder Cancer Risk

Lawsuits have referenced dozens of years’ worth of studies suggesting a baby powder cancer risk.

Research goes back as far as 1971, when Welsh scientists found talc particles in ovarian and cervical tumors. In the last half century or so, studies have continuously linked genital baby powder use with ovarian cancer.

In fact, a collaborative nationwide study led by LSU School of Public Health published just this May in the American Association for Cancer Research Journal indicated that African-American women who use baby powder may have a 44 percent increased risk of ovarian cancer.

J&J Backs Baby Powder, Says Products Are Safe

Despite complaints, reports, and lawsuits, Johnson & Johnson continues to claim that its baby power product is both safe and effective.

The company has been faced with thousands of lawsuits, and plans to appeal jury award decisions, which have often amounted to millions of dollars. According to Johnson & Johnson, the research that implicates baby powder in an increased ovarian cancer risk is flawed.

“We would never sell a product we didn’t believe was safe,” said the research and development lead for Johnson & Johnson baby powder, Tara Glasgow.

Some pediatricians recommend that talc-based baby powder not be used on babies, as they can inhale particles and become ill or even die. Manufacturers of condoms and surgical gloves have also stopped using talc dusting on their products.

Johnson & Johnson’s talc supplier added labels warning about the risk of cancer linked with talc, but the pharmaceutical company did not follow suit.

Baby Powder Cancer Lawsuits

Women involved in baby powder cancer lawsuits believe Johnson & Johnson, as well as other baby powder product manufacturers, are responsible for warning the public about the potential risks of using their baby powder products, especially the risk of ovarian cancer.

Plaintiffs allege that, had they been adequately warned about the potentially serious risks of using baby powder products, they would have chosen a safer alternative and avoided the risk of ovarian cancer altogether.

If you or someone you love has used Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder products or a similar product with talc, and have since been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, you may be eligible to file a baby powder cancer lawsuit.