Johnson & Johnson is facing a new baby powder cancer lawsuit from a Maryland woman alleging she developed talc ovarian cancer. The woman claims the company failed to warn her against talc ovarian cancer, despite over thirty years of scientific studies indicating an ovarian cancer and talcum powder link.

Plaintiff Molly B. says she used Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products on a daily basis beginning in 1988, primarily using the powder to line her undergarments. This was a typical use for the talcum powder products, she claims, as Johnson & Johnson repeatedly advertised the product as a good solution to reduce vaginal wetness and odor.

Molly had applied the powder in accordance with the instructions, and did not use the talcum powder products for any other purposes. Even with this diligence, Molly still allegedly developed talc ovarian cancer and has since had to contend with the condition.

Molly was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in June 2015. She has since had to undergo a hysterectomy and other invasive procedures to treat the condition. Molly is filing legal action against Johnson & Johnson, alleging the company either knew or should have known about the alleged correlation between talcum powder and ovarian cancer.

Overview of Talc Ovarian Cancer Link

Talc is a soft mineral that is mined and ground down into fine powder, in which Johnson & Johnson packages and sells for personal hygiene use.

Studies dating back to the 1970s have indicated talcum powder may be a possible trigger for ovarian cancer, with one study as recent as 2016. This study had examined 2,041 patients, with epithelial ovarian cancer and 2,100 age and residence matched control subjects.

Scientists found an increased risk for talc ovarian cancer, with some subjects reportedly developing dangerous tumors.

The Cancer Prevention Research group had warned women not to use talcum powder on their genital area in 2013, showing a study indicating a 20% to 30% increased risk of talc ovarian cancer.

Johnson & Johnson has earned billions from their baby powder and shower-to-shower powders, selling them to millions of consumers for decades. Johnson & Johnson marketed the talcum powder products as safe and effective methods for absorbing excess moisture and making skin feel more comfortable.

Talcum powder is commonly used to treat rash and vaginal odor, with women applying the powder to their genital area to reduce friction and moisture. Researchers believe this use is where the risk of talc ovarian cancer becomes possible, as the talc particles enter the body and eventually travel into the ovaries. Once the particles become embedded in the ovaries, they may trigger the development of cancer.

Plaintiffs like Molly say that even though the potential risk of talc ovarian cancer was known for years by Johnson & Johnson and the medical community, the company allegedly failed to disclose this information for years. This has allegedly resulted in numerous cases of alleged talc ovarian cancer and massive public criticism against the company.

Molly is filing claims including negligence and failure to warn. Molly states that she never would have used the company’s talcum powder products if she had known the risks of talc ovarian cancer.

This Baby Powder Cancer Lawsuit is Case No. 1:17-cv-02247-GLR, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, Northern Division.