A reported correlation between ovarian cancer and talcum powder has earned Johnson & Johnson the ire of numerous women and their loved ones in the United States, with consumers alleging the company failed to disclose this information.

Numerous talcum powder cancer lawsuits have also alleged that Johnson & Johnson knew about the potential link between ovarian cancer and talcum powder, but chose to keep selling the product and market it for personal feminine hygiene without providing a proper warning.

Talcum powder cancer lawsuits also point out that Johnson & Johnson had the option of using cornstarch instead of talc, but continued to market the product despite the ovarian cancer and talcum powder risk.

One of the most recent talcum powder cancer lawsuits to be filed against Johnson & Johnson was a woman who says she used the company’s baby powder and shower to shower powders her whole life, and only discovering the alleged correlation between ovarian cancer and talcum powder recently.

Plaintiff Patricia K. had reportedly used Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products for their intended purpose and did not deviate from label instructions. She alleges this use included applying the powder to her genital area. She claims Johnson & Johnson has reportedly marketed their talcum powder products for this purpose for years, promoting the product specifically to women using words like “clean” and “fresh.”

Overview of Ovarian Cancer and Talcum Powder Link

Talcum powder has been on the market for decades and is often used through multiple generations, marketed as being very effective against rash, wetness, and odor.

Women were reportedly encouraged to apply talcum powder to their genital area, with advertisements stating that women would feel cleaner and fresher as a result. But plaitniffs like Patricia claim this advertising scheme ignored a serious health risk associated with talc.

Researchers believe that when women apply talcum powder to their genital area, the talc particles may enter the body through the vagina and eventually embeds themselves in the ovaries. The particles may later trigger the development of cancer cells.

Patricia’s talcum powder cancer lawsuit states she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer on March 10, 2016. She alleges she has had to undergo several serious medical procedures including a total abdominal hysterectomy.

The alleged correlation between ovarian cancer and talcum powder was first reported in the 1970s. Since then, around two dozen additional studies have found that women who used talcum powder are at higher risk for ovarian cancer. Even though this correlation is potentially fatal, Johnson & Johnson is accused of failing to disclose this information to the general public.

At all times relevant, Patricia says she relied on the marketing statements and product information provided by Johnson & Johnson and had no way of knowing about the alleged link between ovarian cancer and talcum powder. Patricia states she would not have used Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products, if she had been aware of the alleged correlation.

This Talcum Powder Cancer Lawsuit is Case No. 1:18-cv-00922-LJV, in the United States District Court for the Western District of New York.