A new ovarian cancer lawsuit has been filed against Johnson & Johnson, joining the growing talcum powder multidistrict litigation (MDL).

The ovarian cancer lawsuit has been filed by a Colorado woman alleging the company failed to warn her and other women against the potential carcinogenic effects of its talcum powder products.

Plaintiff Theresa K. is opting to have her ovarian cancer lawsuit join the MDL after discovering numerous other women who developed cancer allegedly because of applying the product to their genital area.

This is a typical use for the company’s baby powder and Shower to Shower products, with the company encouraging women to do this for feminine hygiene purposes through their advertisements. For generations, Johnson & Johnson has used words like “clean” and “fresh” to describe how women could feel when applying their talcum powder products.

However, this treatment purpose has allegedly resulted in numerous ovarian cancer diagnoses. This was the case with Theresa, who states she used the product for its intended purpose and did not deviate from product instructions.

According to the ovarian cancer lawsuit, Theresa used Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products on a regular basis between 1960 to 1998. During this time Theresa had reportedly used the company’s talcum powder products for personal feminine hygiene purposes, which allegedly resulted in her developing ovarian cancer.

Theresa was diagnosed with the disease on Dec. 29, 2008, and is currently contending with it.

Overview of Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Correlation

Scientists have suspected a link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer since the 1970s, with over 20 studies suggesting that talc particles could increase the risk for ovarian cancer. Studies have also noted that talcum powder has a similar nature to asbestos, which further increased the concern of carcinogenic risks.

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

Talcum powder is a staple bathroom product found in millions of homes in the United States, used for a variety of hygiene purposes including diaper rash, skin rash, dry skin, friction, and wetness.

Considering how widespread the product is in regards to consumer use, it is important for Johnson & Johnson to warn against all potential side effects this product could cause. Theresa claims she was denied sufficient disclosure and had allegedly developed ovarian cancer as a result.

Theresa states that she would not have used Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder if she had known about the potential risk of ovarian cancer. Theresa is filing her ovarian cancer lawsuit in MDL No. 2738, where it will stand alongside other claims alleging similar injuries.

By joining an MDL, Theresa’s ovarian cancer lawsuit will be streamlined through the litigation process and will avoid potential problems like conflicting rulings from different judges.

Theresa is filing her ovarian cancer lawsuit seeking multiple damages, including negligence and failure to warn.

This Ovarian Cancer Lawsuit is Case No. 3:18-cv-00178-FLW-LHG, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.