Is Talcum Powder Linked to Ovarian Cancer?

Stethoscope on prescription pad.

JOHNSON & JOHNSON is now facing thousands of lawsuits by women with ovarian cancer (or their estates) who have used Johnson’s baby powder or Johnson’s Shower to Shower talcum powder product for feminine hygiene.

Despite the ever-increasing proof of the connection between the use of talc products and ovarian cancer, Johnson & Johnson decided not to warn women of the results of the studies and the link between talc and ovarian cancer. Such a warning would have depressed sales of talcum powder products and affected Johnson & Johnson’s bottom line. 

In 1971, British researchers analyzed 13 ovarian tumors under a microscope and found talc particles deeply embedded in 10 of them. Then, In 1982, the scientific journal Cancer published a study showing a link between the genital use of talc and ovarian cancer. The leader of that study, a Harvard Medical School gynecologist, recently conducted a new study that found a 33% higher rate of ovarian cancer among women who used talc for feminine hygiene. In 2006, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified talc as a possible carcinogen. 

To date, several juries have rendered very large verdicts against Johns and Johnson because of its failure to place any warnings on its talc products. 

It is estimated that more than 22,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the United States this year. Over half of those women will die as a result of their cancer. Talcum powder is the likely cause of many of those deaths.

The attorneys at Strauss Troy have significant experience in litigating cases involving pharmaceutical products and devices. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and have a history of using a talcum powder product for feminine hygiene we would like to talk to you. There will be no charge for the investigation of a potential case.

For more information, contact:

Ronald R. Parry
rrparry@strausstroy.com
Strauss Troy
513-621.2120 (Office)