Most women have no idea that they may be increasing their risk of ovarian cancer by using a personal hygiene product that they think is safe enough for babies.

Baby powder is the culprit and the research and history of this association may surprise you.

Baby Powder’s Potentially Deadly Ingredient

Not all baby powders pose a risk of increasing a woman’s risk of ovarian cancer. The ingredient of concern in baby powder is talc. Those baby powders that are made with a base of cornstarch, arrowroot starch or materials have not been implicated in an increased ovarian cancer risk.

Talc is a natural mineral and it is found in mines. As one of the softest minerals on earth, it also has the quality of being one of the most absorbent. Magnesium, silicon and oxygen combine together to make this mineral. It is finely ground into a powder for its use as a moisture-absorbing product.

Baby Powder Cancer Risk

One of the reasons why the ovarian cancer risk may not be so widely talked about is because of the personal nature in which the baby powder is used.

Women may increase their risk of developing ovarian cancer when they apply baby powder to their genital area to help reduce odor and moisture. There does not appear to be an increased risk when women simply use the powder on other body parts or as a dry shampoo.

While it may seem that only a few women may be using baby powder in their genital area, surveys have showed that over 40% of women use a talcum powder baby powder product every day as part of their personal beauty routine.

These women who include our moms, sisters, aunts, cousins and dear friends may have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer 41% over those who do not share this routine.

Ovarian Cancer Research Studies Linking Talc Powder

Over four decades ago, the link between talc and ovarian cancer was first described. In 1971, researchers studied the ovarian tumors of women and found that talc particles were embedded deeply in every single tumor.

In the 1980s, another study showed the first statistically significant relationship between talcum powder applied to the genital area and the risk of developing ovarian cancer. Since these initial studies, nearly two dozen other studies have also shown a potential link between talc powder use and ovarian cancer.

Baby Powder Cancer Lawsuit Information

Just two years ago in 2013, Johnson & Johnson was hit with a lawsuit where a woman alleged that her use of Johnson’s Baby Powder caused her to developed ovarian cancer.

The jury ruled in the woman’s favor against Johnson & Johnson. However, Johnson & Johnson was not ordered to pay any damages to the woman in this case and to this day, the company maintains that their talc-based baby powder product is safe.

Nationwide, about 700 baby powder cancer lawsuits have been filed against Johnson & Johnson after women made the discovery that their use of baby powder in the genital area was a likely factor in contributing to their development of ovarian cancer.

If you or a loved one developed ovarian cancer following talcum baby powder use, you may be entitled to legal compensation. Individual lawsuits may be filed against the baby powder manufacturer or the opportunity to join a baby powder class action lawsuit may be available. Our attorneys offer free consultations and can assist you in exploring your legal options.