Johnson & Johnson is facing a new product liability claim from a woman alleging she developed Shower to Shower cancer, after using the company’s talcum powder products. This woman filed the talcum powder cancer lawsuit, alleging the use of talcum powder had caused her to develop ovarian cancer.

Plaintiff Rhonda K. alleges her Shower to Shower cancer was the result of using Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products, which she applied to her genital area. This was a typical use for Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower Powder, which are talc based products that are used for a variety of hygiene purposes by millions of consumers in the United States.

Johnson & Johnson has marketed the talcum powder product for personal hygiene for years, with consumers often passing down the habit through generations. Rhonda says Johnson & Johnson would use marketing statements like “a sprinkle a day keeps odor away” in regards to their Shower to Shower powder, along with “use Shower to Shower to feel dry, fresh, and comfortable throughout the day.”

The company continues to use these very statements, which are marketed at women who are looking for a discreet and convenient product for personal feminine hygiene. Feminine hygiene purposes are described as sprinkling talcum powder on the underwear lining or applying the powder to the woman’s genital area in some other way.

Johnson & Johnson states that talcum powder will reduce wetness and friction, as well as odor and dry skin in the areas the powder is applied. According to the talcum powder cancer lawsuit, Rhonda had used Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products for feminine hygiene purposes from January 1973 until August 2016.

However, Rhonda was reportedly diagnosed with ovarian cancer on Jan. 9, 2015, and continues to contend with this condition. Rhonda alleges she developed Shower to Shower cancer during the period of time she used the company’s talcum powder products and later discovered the powder could have been the cause.

Overview of Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Correlation

Researchers believe that when talcum powder is applied to the woman’s genital area, talc particles may enter the vagina and eventually embed themselves into the ovaries. After a certain number of years, the talcum powder particles may trigger the development of cancer cells.

The risk of ovarian cancer in conjunction with talcum powder use has been well documented in numerous studies and has spurred major concern in the medical community. The first official study to investigate the alleged correlation was conducted in 1982 by Dr. Daniel Cramer and his colleagues, who found a 92 percent increased risk of ovarian cancer if talcum powder was used for feminine hygiene.

Since 1982, there have been over 27 additional studies indicating a similar correlation and that further suggest an increased risk of ovarian cancer from talcum powder use. It has also been noted that talc particles may have a similar nature as asbestos, which may be a contributing factor to the alleged carcinogenic effects.

Rhonda states she would not have used the talcum powder products if she had known the risk of ovarian cancer.

This Shower to Shower Cancer Lawsuit is Case No. 1:18-cv-01527-RC, in the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia.