A plaintiff, Stephanie H., files a lawsuit in the District of Columbia federal court against Johnson & Johnson alleging she became diagnosed with ovarian cancer due to her use of the defendant’s products.

Stephanie is a resident and citizen of the state of Ohio. According to the ovarian cancer lawsuit, she first began using the product in June 2005. She had also continued using the product until 2014.

She says she received an ovarian cancer diagnosis in November 2009, while living in Ohio. She was at the time 23 years old.

Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis and Talcum Powder

Talc products, like Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder have been allegedly shown to increase the risks of ovarian cancer. Clinical studies from as long ago as 1971 have suggested an association between the use of talcum powder in the perineal area and a later ovarian cancer diagnosis.

According to the ovarian cancer diagnosis lawsuit, defendant Johnson & Johnson allegedly knew since 1982 of the risk of ovarian cancer associated with the defendant’s products such as Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower-to-Shower. Plaintiffs say the company failed to warn their consumers and the public at large of these alleged risks.

At least 4,800 women have filed lawsuits alleging of adverse effects and complications resulting from their use of Johnson & Johnsons’ products.

Talc Product Facts

Talc is a very soft mineral and a main component of Johnson’s Baby P,owder product in addition to other cosmetic products. The talc mineral is used to absorb moisture and to reduce friction. These characteristics make talc a useful component of Johnson & Johnson’s products.

Its link to ovarian cancer diagnosis, however, could be related to the use of Johnson’s baby powder product in the genital area.

Making ovarian cancer even dangerous is the fact that it has no symptoms in its early stages. Within the cancer’s later stages, symptoms can also be non-specific and can include symptoms such as loss of appetite and weight loss. Women with an ovarian cancer diagnosis may suffer from abdominal or pelvic pain, gastrointestinal conditions such as bloating, change in bowel habits, indigestion, and nausea. The whole body may feel fatigued because of the cancer.

Despite the current research showing that talc products may increase a woman’s chance of developing ovarian cancer, Johnson & Johnson has yet to place warning signs on its products, the plaintiffs claim.

The Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis Lawsuit is Case No. 1:17-cv-01996, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.