The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies genital use of talc-based powders as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” 

The agency, which is a part of the World Health Organization, makes it their mission to identify causes of cancer. According to IARC, based on the limited evidence of human studies the possible link to ovarian cancer through perineal use is what they base this determination on.

Likewise, The American Cancer Society  points to a study that indicates use of talc-based products on the genital area may increase the risk of uterine cancer in women who are past menopause. However, they state that “other studies have not found such a link. Further studies are needed to explore this topic.”

What is Talcum Powder?

The main ingredient in baby powder is talcwhich is a mineral that contains magnesium and silicon. Talc is crushed into a powder and then added to baby powder and other talcum powder products in order to provide a soft, smooth surface on the skin. Talc powders have been marketed to women for decades.

New moms often buy baby powder for their infants in order to prevent diaper chafing and skin irritation. Women also buy various forms of talcum powder such as Shower to Shower and Johnson’s Baby Powder to prevent vaginal odors. Over the years, talcum powder has also been used in intimate products including condoms and diaphragms.

Nearly half of all American women claim to use a form of talcum powder as part of their daily feminine hygiene routine. Many allege that sprinkling baby powder into underwear or onto sanitary pads absorbs moisture, keeping the genital area fresh and clean.

However, for more than 40-years scientists have pointed to a connection between the dusting of female genitals with talcum powder and ovarian cancer.  In a 1971 published ovarian cancer study, The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the British Commonwealth found that out of 13 biopsied ovarian tumors, 10 had talc particles embedded deep within them.

Ovarian Cancer Risks

Johnson & Johnson is the largest manufacturer of baby powder products including Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower. For decades the company has advertised that the products are “clinically proven to be gentle and mild for your baby’s skin” and “just a sprinkle a day keeps odor away.” Women claim that both of these statements indicate the product is not only safe but encouraged to be used daily.

Over the years, Johnson & Johnson has been made aware of the medical studies that link baby powder to cancer but the company maintains that the research is not conclusive; they have yet to place any kind of warnings on the over-the-counter talcum products.

According to their Safety & Care Commitment website, “At the Johnson & Johnson Family of Consumer Companies, our confidence in using talc is based on a long history of safe use and more than 30 years of research by independent researchers, scientific review boards and global regulatory authorities. Various agencies and governmental bodies have examined whether talc is a carcinogen, and none have concluded that it is.”

Ovarian cancer is rarely caught in its earliest stages since there are minimal symptoms associated with it. However, advanced ovarian cancer contains symptoms including:

• Abdominal bloating or swelling
• Quickly feeling full when eating
• Weight loss
• Discomfort in the pelvis area
• Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
• A frequent need to urinate

Baby Powder Cancer Lawsuits

There are nearly 700 baby powder cancer lawsuits have been filed against talc powder manufacturers with the majority of them filed in New Jersey which is where Johnson & Johnson is headquartered. 

In general, those who file a baby powder cancer lawsuit claim that talc powder manufacturers failed to warn of the potentially fatal risks associated with genital use of the products. Some consumers claim that the manufacturers placed profits above the health and safety of the general public.

If you developed ovarian cancer after using a talcum powder product, you may be able to join a baby powder class action lawsuit.