Talcum Powder Lawsuits
Research has linked the regular use of talcum powder in the genital area to the development of ovarian cancer. Many baby powders and body powders contain talcum.
Talc is a mineral made up of several elements. Talc is ground to make talcum powder which is used in various products to absorb moisture.
Talc products used regularly in the genital area could increase the risk of ovarian cancer because the talc can travel through the vagina, uterus and fallopian tubes to the ovaries.
Research / Studies
A recent study published in the Cancer Prevention Research Journal identifies a link between the use of talcum powder based products on a woman’s genitals and the increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
The particles that makeup talcum powder are extremely fine. Research indicates that when applied on a habitual basis, those particles can travel through the vagina, uterus and fallopian tubes and settle in the ovaries. The ovaries become irritated by the presence of the talc and allow cancer cells to form, grow and spread.
Injuries
Ovarian cancer is one of the most deadly forms of cancer. Because symptoms are often vague, the diagnosis may be missed until cancer has progressed to an advanced stage and spread. Some patients seek several different medical opinions before the cancers are correctly diagnosed.
Some symptoms of ovarian cancer include: abdominal pain, bloating, changes in bladder/bowel movements and overall fatigue.
There are approximately 20,000 cases of ovarian cancer diagnosed every year. Sadly, more than 14,000 patients will die from the disease. Some experts report that women who routinely apply talc to their genitals have a 33% higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Trials
Fox v. Johnson&Johnson- In February of 2016 a St. Louis, MO jury found Johnson & Johnson liable for the development of the Plaintiffs ovarian cancer and awarded her family $72 million- of that $62 million were awarded for punitive damages.
Ristesund v Johnson & Johnson- In May of 2016 another jury in St. Louis MO awarded the Plaintiff $55 million in her lawsuit alleging her ovarian cancer was caused by the company’s talcum powder products. The award included $5 million for actual damages and $50 million in punitive damages.
