Johnson & Johnson is continuing to face lawsuits alleging that use of the company’s talc-based baby powder is linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

One such lawsuit came from the family of Jacqueline F., who was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer and went through both intensive chemotherapy and surgery to remove her uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and sections of her spleen and colon.

Well into her treatment, Jacqueline heard about a possible connection between Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder and ovarian cancer.

Jacqueline, like countless other women, was in the habit of using baby powder as part of her daily routine. Women often assume that, because talc baby powder is used on babies, it must be safe.

“It has to be safe. It’s put on babies. It’s been around forever. Why haven’t we heard about any ill effects?” said Jacqueline’s son, Marvin.

Indeed, Johnson & Johnson first began selling baby powder more than 100 years ago, soon after the company was founded.

Johnson & Johnson has stated that 70 percent of its baby powder was used by adults rather than children. While baby powder sales only came to $374 million in 2014, and the company as a whole is worth $70 billion, the company owes the success of its $2 billion baby division to its original baby powder product.

Unfortunately, Jacqueline died from ovarian cancer in October 2015.

Only four months later, a St. Louis jury concluded that there is a connection between talcum powder and the development of ovarian cancer. The jury also concluded that Johnson & Johnson was liable for negligence, conspiracy, and failure to adequately warn women about the risk of using baby powder on their genitals.

The verdict included $10 million in compensatory damages and $62 million in punitive damages, the amount totaling more than what Jacqueline’s family’s lawyers had recommended.

A spokeswoman for Johnson & Johnson maintains that the product is safe. “Jury verdicts should not be confused with regulatory rulings or rigorous scientific findings,” says Carol Goodrich. “The overwhelming body of scientific research and clinical evidence supports the safety of cosmetic talc.” Johnson & Johnson plans to appeal the verdict.

Over a thousand women like Jacqueline and their families are pursuing lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson, claiming that the company was aware of their product’s association with ovarian cancer but nonetheless failed to adequately warn the public.

Ovarian cancer is one of the most dangerous cancers facing women today. About 20,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, often in the late stages of the disease when it is more difficult to treat. More than 14,000 women die from ovarian cancer every year.

Baby Powder Cancer Lawsuits

Women and their families involved in baby powder cancer lawsuits believe that Johnson & Johnson, and other manufacturers, are responsible for providing adequate warnings of the risks involved in using their products.

Baby powder cancer lawsuits claim that Johnson & Johnson had knowledge of the risk of ovarian cancer linked with their baby powder products, but failed to adequately inform consumers of this risk, placing company profit over consumer safety.

Plaintiffs claim that adequate knowledge of these potentially serious risks would have prevented them from using the product, and therefore would have allowed them to avoid ovarian cancer altogether.

If you or someone you love has used Johnson’s Baby Powder or a similar powder product containing talc and have since been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, you may be able to file a baby powder cancer lawsuit.