Johnson & Johnson is facing a new product liability claim from a woman alleging the company failed to warn her and the general public against a correlation between talc use and ovarian cancer.

Plaintiff Annette M. alleges the correlation between talc use and ovarian cancer has been well documented. She alleges Johnson & Johnson has been aware of the risks for years and had the option of providing a safer alternative to consumers.

Annette opted to file legal action against Johnson & Johnson, alleging the company either knew or should have known about the alleged correlation between talc use and ovarian cancer. Like numerous other women in the United States, Annette had used Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products for feminine hygiene purposes.

According to the talcum powder cancer lawsuit, Annette, an Illinois resident, began using Johnson & Johnson’s Shower to Shower powder between 1999 to 2001 and again from 2003 through 2015. She would routinely apply to the talcum powder product to her genital area for feminine hygiene purposes, which allegedly contributed to her disease.

Talc and Feminine Hygiene

Annette was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in May 2015, and has been contending with the disease ever since. Annette says she was under the impression talcum powder was safe to use for feminine hygiene treatment based on the marketing statements by Johnson & Johnson.

For decades Johnson & Johnson had marketed their baby powder and Shower to Shower products to women for feminine hygiene purposes, with statements like “a sprinkle a day, keeps the odor away” and claiming the powder will help women feel “fresh.”

However, the alleged correlation between talc use and ovarian cancer has landed the company in major hot water with the general public, with numerous consumers complaining that the talc product warning labels lack any kind of warning.

Overview of Talc Use and Ovarian Cancer

The alleged correlation between talc use and ovarian cancer was initially observed in the 1970s, when the first study was conducted to observe the effects of talcum powder on the ovaries. A later study was conducted in the 1980s, which also showed an increased risk of ovarian cancer in conjunction with talcum powder use.

There have been over 20 studies conducted that observed the correlation between talc use and ovarian cancer, which has spurred major concern in the general population. Given how commonly used talcum powder is for hygiene purposes, numerous women could be at risk for ovarian cancer.

Talcum powder is alleged to cause ovarian cancer after being applied to a woman’s genital area. Researchers believe this application allows the talc particles to enter the body and eventually become embedded in the ovaries. After a certain number of years, the talc particles may fester into cancer cells and pose a life threatening risk to the patient.

While scientists are unsure why talc particles may eventually turn into cancer cells, it has been noted that talc particles have a similar nature to asbestos.

Even though talc use and ovarian cancer have a strong correlation, Johnson & Johnson allegedly failed to warn patients against the risk. Due to this, Annette is filing this talcum powder cancer lawsuit seeking multiple damages, including negligence and failure to warn.

This Talcum Powder Cancer Lawsuit is Case No. 1:18-cv-02268, in the U.S. District Court of Northern Illinois, Eastern Division.