A California family is one of the latest claimants to join the growing multidistrict litigation (MDL) against Johnson & Johnson over an alleged link between talc and ovarian cancer.

The talc cancer lawsuit was filed by the loved ones of a deceased woman. They allege the company had deliberately concealed this alleged correlation to protect the product’s market value.

Plaintiffs Alicdes S., Tanya S., and Arianna S. are conjointly filing this talc cancer lawsuit on behalf of Amanda S. who allegedly died from talcum powder induced ovarian cancer.

According to the talc cancer lawsuit, Amanda had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer June 3, 2009 after using talcum powder products for over a decade. She had used Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products since 1987, which had allegedly resulted in her developing ovarian cancer.

Amanda had ultimately died from ovarian cancer on July 23, 2015, leaving her loved ones to file this talc cancer lawsuit on her behalf. Her loved ones claims Johnson & Johnson had known about the alleged correlation between talcum powder and ovarian cancer for years, as this link was first noticed in 1970s.

Johnson & Johnson reportedly acknowledged the potential link in 1986, stating talcum powder could increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Overview of Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Correlation

Ever since the Cramer study of 1982, there have been approximately 27 studies done to observe the link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer. One of the most recent inquires was conducted in 2015, examining 2,0141 cases of ovarian cancer cases and 2,100 subjects in a control group. Researchers found an increased risk of ovarian cancer among users of talc products compared to the control group.

Even though this information would have been vital for patient safety, Johnson & Johnson allegedly failed to mention these studies or increased risk on the product’s warning label.

For generations, women have used talcum powder products for a number of hygienic purposes including treat vaginal odor and treating friction. However when the talcum powder is used near the perineal area, the talc particles enter the body and eventually embedded themselves in the ovaries. After a certain number of years, the talc particles eventually fester into cancer cells.

Talc is a soft mineral that is ground up into fine powder, and it can be used for a number of hygienic purposes including: rash, dry skin, odor, diaper rash, and vaginal odor. Johnson & Johnson has reportedly marketed their talcum powder for these hygienic uses for years, without mentioning the alleged link with ovarian cancer.

During all times relevant, Amanda was reportedly unaware of this risk and would not have used talcum powder if she had known the risks. In addition, Amanda used the powder for its intended purpose and was encouraged by Johnson & Johnson to use the product for personal female hygienic reasons.

Amanda’s loved ones are filing their talc cancer lawsuit in MDL No. 2738, where it will stand alongside other claims alleging similar injuries. By joining the MDL, the talc cancer lawsuit will be quickly streamlined through the litigation process and will avoid any complications such as conflicting rulings from different judges.

Amanda’s loved ones are seeking damages for multiple counts of negligence and failure to warn, stating Johnson & Johnson either knew or should have known of talcum powder cancer.

This Talc Cancer Lawsuit is Case No. 3:17-cv-05329, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.