Before the dangers of talcum powder were well-understood, women frequently used body powders to keep their panties, panty liners, and genitals feeling fresh and dry. Unfortunately, we now know—thanks to a number of studies and anecdotal evidence from women around the world—that using talcum powder on or near your genitals can lead to ovarian cancer.
If you used talcum powder on your genital region and later received a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, you may qualify to file a lawsuit against the talcum powder manufacturer. Contact the legal team from D. Miller & Associates, PLLC, today at 713-850-8600 to schedule a free case evaluation with a talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuit lawyer.

What Is the Connection Between Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer?

Talcum powder is the key ingredient in many baby powders, cosmetics, and other personal hygiene products. For the most part, people use talcum powder to prevent chafing, protect against heat rashes, and reduce dampness. Most powders made for application to the genitals no longer contain talc. For decades, however, many women applied talc-based products like Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder or Shower to Shower powder to their undergarments, sanitary pads, and directly to their genitals to offer extra freshness. Many who received an ovarian cancer diagnosis in the ‘00s began using talcum powder in the ‘60s, ‘70s, or ‘80s.
According to studies conducted over several decades, there is reason to believe some of the producers of these powders knew about the link to ovarian cancer long before alarm bells sounded. While these studies showed only a tentative correlation, the lawsuits filed against Johnson & Johnson allege the company’s executives knew about a potential link between their products and ovarian cancer for decades before it became public. During that time, they failed to warn women of the risk and never took any action to protect consumers from harm.

How Can I Hold a Manufacturer Responsible?

Failing to warn consumers of dangers present in a product can make a manufacturer liable for the damages that product causes. If you are suffering from ovarian cancer related to talcum powder use, our attorneys can help. We can hold Johnson & Johnson or another manufacturer responsible for their failure to warn you about the hazards these products present.
By taking a product manufacturer to court, we can recover compensation for your damages. Your settlement could include payment for:

  • Medical bills;
  • Lost wages;
  • Reduced earning capacity;
  • Pain and suffering;
  • Mental anguish; and
  • Wrongful death, if a loved one died as a result of their ovarian cancer.

What Does Research Say About the Link Between Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer?

The research is still tentative when it comes to definitively showing a strong link between talcum powder use and ovarian cancer, despite thousands of cases’ worth of anecdotal evidence in the court system. Some researchers say the increased risk could be as high as 33 percent.
Even if those who used talcum powder in the past are at a greatly increased risk for developing certain types of cancer, the American Cancer Society (ACS) offers some reassuring news. They say there is only a small risk that women who used talcum powder will develop ovarian cancer during their lifetimes. Of course, that does little for the thousands of women who have cancer and must undergo devastating treatments.
Some agencies have acted on the research available, in addition to the stories of these women. The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, for example, classified talcum powder as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” when applied to the perianal or genital area. This leading cancer research authority urges women to be careful when using talcum powder or other talc products, and discontinue use on sensitive areas of the body. There have been no recommendations for revised labeling, and many products do not warn women of the possible risks if used on or near their genitals.

What Is the Current Status of the Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawsuits?

More than 5,500 lawsuits are pending against Johnson & Johnson and other talcum powder manufacturers. These women believe these companies played a major role in their cancer diagnosis, and that they hid the risks from them for decades. Most of the women involved used baby powder for feminine hygiene purposes. Surviving family members of women who died from ovarian cancer filed some of the lawsuits.
While most of the talcum powder cases are still waiting for their day in court, a few have already gone before a judge. The case results were not good for product manufacturers. In 2017, juries in Missouri handed verdicts to three plaintiffs, awarding them $55 million, $72 million, and $110 million in three separate cases. Then, another court ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay a total of $417 million for the injuries a victim sustained after using their baby powder product.
While litigation is already underway in many of these cases, it is not too late to file your own claim. If you used talcum powder and then received an ovarian cancer diagnosis, you may qualify to file for compensation. If your loved one passed away from ovarian cancer but you can demonstrate they used talcum powder previously, we can most likely pursue a claim on your behalf. Contact us today, and we can review your case and help you understand your legal options for compensation.

How Can I Reach a Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawsuit Lawyer?

If you used talcum powder for personal hygiene purposes and now suffer from ovarian cancer, there may be a link between the two. Call D. Miller & Associates, PLLC, today to schedule a free consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys.
We can help you understand your case, and go over what it will take for us to win compensation for you. We are not afraid to go toe-to-toe with a large corporation. We will fight for the compensation you deserve. You can reach us at 713-850-8600 to set up a time to talk with a talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuit lawyer.