Talc Products and Ovarian Cancer

Products containing talc, such and Johnson and Johnson Shower to Shower, baby powder, condoms, tampons, diaphragms and others have been linked to ovarian cancer.

Talcum powder is made primarily from the mineral talc and is used in baby and body powders, feminine washes, and other consumer products. Talcum powder absorbs moisture and can be used to reduce chafing against the skin. Despite its wide use for decades, talcum powder has been linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer in some women.

Several lawsuits have been filed across the U.S. against makers of talc-based products. Johnson & Johnson faces thousands of legal claims from consumers who have been affected by these dangerous products. In May 2020, Johnson & Johnson said it would no longer sell talc-based baby powder in North America. However, the legal fight for compensation continues for injured consumers.

Whether or not Johnson & Johnson’s decision to stop sales of talc-based baby powder stems from the company’s legal problems, we know that this battle is far from over. Our team is still accepting inquiries about compensation claims against Johnson & Johnson.

Talc Powder and Ovarian Cancer

Although talc can contain asbestos – a cancer causing substance – in its natural form, consumer products containing talc have been asbestos-free since the 1970s. But researchers have noted that even modern, asbestos-free products containing talc may increase the risk of ovarian cancer when used in the genital area.

Talc doesn’t break down in the body, and it can travel through a women’s vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes into her ovaries causing irritation and possibly cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies the genital use of talc-based body powder as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.”

$127 Million in talc Powder Cancer Lawsuit Verdicts

In 2016 Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay $72million in damages to the family of a 62-year-old woman who died from ovarian cancer after using talcum powder products for feminine hygiene for more than 35 years.

During trial, evidence showed Johnson & Johnson knew about the ovarian cancer risk for decades but failed to warn consumers.

Months after the landmark $72 million verdict, a Missouri jury ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $55 million in damages to a woman who developed ovarian cancer after routinely using the company’s talc powder products on her genitals for decades. The victim required a hysterectomy and other surgical procedures as part of her treatment.

Judicial Ruling Gives Momentum to Plaintiffs

In April 2020, a New Jersey judge issued a ruling that plaintiffs’ experts can testify against Johnson & Johnson, effectively allowing thousands of plaintiffs to move forward with legal action against Johnson & Johnson. More than 16,000 lawsuits have been filed against Johnson & Johnson across the U.S.

What talc products should I know about?

Products used in the genital area that can contain talc include:

  • Baby powder
  • Body powders, such as Shower to Shower
  • Diaphragms
  • Condoms
  • Feminine washes
  • Tampons
  • Vaginal deodorants
  • Sanitary napkins

Protecting Your Rights

If you or a loved one developed ovarian cancer after using talcum powder, you deserve an experienced team of lawyers to fight for you and protect your rights. Contact Daniel Stark today.

*Shower to Shower is a registered trademark of Valeant Consumer Products and is used here only to identify the product in question.

*This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by or affiliated with the International Agency for Research on Cancer, Reuters, Johnson & Johnson, or Valeant Consumer Products.

*Cases may be referred to another attorney or law firm.