Johnson & Johnson is facing a new product liability claim from a woman alleging the company’s baby powder caused ovarian cancer.

This baby powder cancer lawsuit is being filed by a woman from the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, claiming the company knew that their baby powder caused ovarian cancer yet failed to issue a proper warning.

Plaintiff Yamilette R. is filing the baby powder cancer lawsuit after discovering the company may have known that their baby powder caused ovarian cancer. Yamilette says she used the company’s baby powder for feminine hygiene purposes from 1986 to 2012, specifically applying the powder to her genital area.

This was considered a normal use for this product, Yamilette claims, as Johnson & Johnson regularly marketed the product for feminine hygiene purposes. The company would claim the talc-based baby powder would help women feel fresh and would reduce friction.

At all times relevant, Yamilette says she used the product according to instructions and did not use the product for other purposes. Even with this diligence, Yamilette was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in April 2013 and is currently contending with the condition in Florida.

Yamilette is filing legal action against the company, alleging the company either knew or should have known that baby powder caused ovarian cancer.

Overview of Baby Powder Cancer Correlation

Researchers believe talcum powder may increase the risk of ovarian cancer when the powder is applied to the woman’s genital area. For generations, women have used Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder as part of their personal hygiene regimen without any knowledge that the talcum baby powder caused ovarian cancer.

When talcum powder is applied to the woman’s genital area, particles of talc may be able to migrate through the reproductive tract to reach the ovaries. After several years of dormancy, the talc particles can eventually stimulate the growth of cancer cells.

Even though this complication can be potentially deadly, Johnson & Johnson allegedly failed to warn consumers of the alleged correlation. The alleged link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer was first suspected in the early 1970s, with a study suggesting that there was an association between talcum powder and increased risk of ovarian cancer.

In 1982, researchers reported finding a 92% increased risk of ovarian cancer in women who used talcum powder on their genital area. Since the 1982 study, there have been 27 additional studies suggesting that baby powder caused ovarian cancer.

Even though there have been numerous studies published throughout the years, Johnson & Johnson did not include the potential link on their talcum powder labels. At all times relevant, Yamilette says, she did not receive any kind of disclosure from the company nor was she made aware of the studies.

Yamilette filed this baby powder cancer lawsuit after discovering the available scientific evidence. Yamilette states she would not have used the product if she had thought baby powder caused ovarian cancer.

This Baby Powder Cancer Lawsuit is Case No. 1:17-cv-02298 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.