In a recent talcum powder cancer lawsuit, the family of an Alabama woman alleged that Johnson & Johnson’s talc powder products had caused their mother to develop, and later die from, ovarian cancer.

The family alleged that the products were unsafe to use for feminine hygiene purposes, and has sparked numerous consumers to question if there is a connection between talcum powder and ovarian cancer. The lawsuit recently concluded, with a St. Louis jury ordering Johnson & Johnson to pay the plaintiff family $72 million in damages.

According to the lawsuit, late plaintiff Jackie F. had joined dozens of women alleging similar claims stating that Johnson & Johnson failed to warn them against the dangers of talcum powder cancer.

Even though this family scored a major victory against the pharmaceutical giant, a number of other women are only now becoming aware of the potential link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer.

Over the years, there have been numerous studies on this alleged correlation with results consistently indicating that talcum powder cancer is a valid risk. One such study from the Brigham and Womens’ Hospital in Boston looked thousands of women who were chronic users of talc powder.

Approximately 2,041 ovarian cancer victims and 2,100 women without the disease were observed, and were asked how often they used talcum powder. The researchers concluded that when applying talc powder for personal hygiene, the chances of developing ovarian cancer increased significantly.  The researchers also cited previous studies in which it was observed that women developed ovarian cancer after applying talcum powder to their genital area.

Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer variation, diagnosed in approximately 20,000 women per year, and accounting for 3% of all cancer cases in women. It is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, so it is no surprise that consumers are becoming increasingly alarmed over the growing evidence indicating the talcum powder and ovarian cancer link.

Overview of Talcum Powder Cancer Link

Talcum powder is made from the soft mineral talc, which is mined and ground into a fine powder to sell for hygienic purposes. This product is used to reduce friction, treat dry skin and prevent rashes, which lead to Johnson & Johnson quickly developing baby powder and shower-to-shower products.

Talc powder is also used in a wide variety of other cosmetic products, and has been a traditional bathroom staple for generations, so when allegations of talcum powder cancer started emerging, it took many consumers and medical experts by surprise.

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, subsidiary of the World Health Organization, it is possible that applying talc powder to the genital area could be “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” Despite the rising concern, the American Cancer Society states that there is currently no definitive evidence linking talcum powder and ovarian cancer.

Patients who allegedly developed talcum powder cancer may be eligible to file legal action against Johnson & Johnson. Potential claimants should contact a specialized lawyer as soon as possible, to see if they qualify for a claim.