The issue of talcum powder-induced ovarian cancer has been prevalent after the possible connection was announced in 2013. While the association between the two has not been conclusively proven, women across America have been claiming that their ovarian cancer was a direct result of using Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products.

For example, a woman has filed a baby powder lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson in Madison County Circuit Court for failing to protect her against baby power dangers. Plaintiff Judith H. used J&J’s baby powder products for over 50 years for personal hygiene purposes and never suspected that she may have been putting herself at risk. Judith alleges that Johnson & Johnson knew of the ovarian cancer risk associated with baby powder products but failed to warn her and other consumers of the potential health hazards associated with their Baby Powder and Shower-to-Shower powders.

According to the baby powder cancer lawsuit, Judith had faithfully used the defendant’s baby powder from 1964 to 2013 as a feminine hygiene product. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 66 and officially filed her complaint against Johnson & Johnson on Jan. 20, 2015 in the Madison County Circuit Court. In her baby powder cancer lawsuit, Judith also names the supermarket conglomerate, Walgreens, as a defendant because the store also failed to warn their customers of the baby powder dangers, and allegedly made no effort to reduce exposure.

Like many women, Judith had discovered the possible connection between talcum powder and ovarian cancer when the first talcum powder lawsuit was filed against Johnson & Johnson in 2013. Once it was brought to her attention, Judith discovered a scientific study that had been completed in 1982, which showed that women had a 92 percent increased risk of developing ovarian cancer when they apply talcum powder to their genital area. Reportedly, there are 22 additional studies that support these results with the condom industry following the trend in 1996, when the company stopped applying talc to their condoms.

Overview of Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Complications

Research suggests that women who use talcum powder for feminine hygiene purposes are at an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. Medical experts find this highly disturbing, considering that as many as 40 percent of all women in the United States use talcum powder for this reason. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 21,980 women developed ovarian cancer in 2014, and experts predict that over 14,000 women will die from ovarian cancer in the same year. The exact number of ovarian cancer cases being related to talcum powder is unknown, but a meta-analysis of data collected from eight different studies found that nearly a quarter of women out of 8,525 had developed ovarian cancer.

Currently, medical experts are unsure of why this possible side effect may be occurring, but many agree on a central hypothesis. Once the talcum powder is applied to the genital area, the particles can travel up through the fallopian tubes and settle in the ovaries. After several years of stewing, the particles allow for the possibility of cancer because they can trigger inflammation.

Despite the concern surrounding the talcum powders, many still doubt the connection and state that even if there is a connection, it is highly unlikely that a woman will develop ovarian cancer from the powders. Regardless if they believe in the alleged connection, medical experts encourage women to talk to their doctors if they feel concerned over the association between talcum powder products and ovarian cancer.

Judith’s baby powder cancer lawsuit is seeking damages in excess of $400,000 for Johnson & Johnson’s alleged deceptive and reckless practices in manufacturing, selling, distributing, and marketing Shower to Shower and other talcum-containing products. The filed complaint indicates a demand for a jury trial for this case.

The Baby Powder Cancer Lawsuit is Case No. 15-L-84, in Madison County Circuit Court.