Johnson and Johnson faces a new lawsuit from a consumer alleging that his late sister’s ovarian cancer diagnosis was a direct result of her lifetime use of the company’s baby powder products.

Plaintiff Francisco C. recently filed a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson, alleging that his deceased sister Magda C. received an ovarian cancer diagnosis after using baby powder products for her whole life.

According to Francisco’s complaint, Magda was born in 1948 and used Johnson & Johnson baby powder and Shower to Shower powder products for hygiene nearly her entire life. In May 2015, Magda received a diagnosis of ovarian cancer after extensive surgical procedures including an exploratory laparotomy, total abdominal hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of both ovaries).

Francisco claims that his sister’s ovarian cancer diagnosis was a direct result of her use of baby powder products, and aims to hold Johnson & Johnson accountable.

Baby Powder Cancer Connection

According to Francisco’s lawsuit, since 1971 there have been 24 studies linking baby powder use to an ovarian cancer diagnosis. One study published in 1983 found that women who used baby powder on their genital area had a 150 percent increased risk for an ovarian cancer diagnosis.

Many scientists theorize that talc particulates from baby powder can migrate up the female reproductive system into the ovaries. Once in the ovaries, the particulates can allegedly cause inflammation and cellular damage, increasing the risk for cellular mutation and the development of cancer.

Despite the huge amount of evidence available, Johnson & Johnson has allegedly refused to warn their consumers.

“Defendants in this action knew or should have known that the use of talcum powder based products in the perineal area significantly increases the risk of cancer, including but not limited to ovarian and uterine cancer, based upon scientific knowledge dating back for years,” the baby powder cancer lawsuit states.

Plaintiff: No Warning of Risks

Francisco argues that by limiting the amount of information about baby powder ovarian cancer connection, Johnson & Johnson impeded Magda’s medical treatment because her doctor did not know she was at risk before her ovarian cancer diagnosis. The lawsuit also claims that Magda, like other consumers, would not have used Johnson & Johnson baby powder products had she been informed of the risks.

“Defendants’ products failed to contain, and continue to this day not to contain, adequate warnings and/or instructions regarding the increased risk of cancer, including, but not limited to, ovarian and uterine cancer, with the use of their products by women,” Francisco argues in his lawsuit. “Defendants continue to market, advertise, and expressly represent to the general public that it is safe for women to use their products regardless of application.”

Francisco accuses Johnson & Johnson of strict liability – failure to warn, strict liability – design and/or manufacturing defect, negligence, breach of warranties, negligent misrepresentation, fraudulent concealment, intentional misrepresentation, violation of consumer protection laws, unjust enrichment, and wrongful death. The baby powder cancer lawsuit seeks compensatory damages, economic damages, punitive damages, court costs, and attorneys’ fees.

The Baby Powder Cancer Lawsuit is Case No. 1:18-cv-00858 in the United States District Court for the Western District of New York.