Dating as far back as the 1970’s, there has been a suspected link between the use of talcum powder and the onset of ovarian cancer. This link has been substantiated through numerous studies, including research done at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA in 2013. Researchers there reviewed data involving close to 2,000 women. Through this analysis, it was determined that women who used talcum powder for intimate personal hygiene increased their risk of ovarian cancer by 20-30 percent.

Studies like the one at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and others concluded that the link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer stems from the female reproductive system’s natural ability to facilitate upward movement in to the uterus. In many of the cases in which ovarian cancer was diagnosed, talc particles were found inside cancerous ovarian tissue. It is thought that talc particles entered a woman’s reproductive tract through the vagina and traveled through the cervix into the uterus, then moved through the fallopian tubes to the ovaries.

Johnson & Johnson™, a major manufacturer of talcum powder, has been the focus of numerous legal action because it has been alleged that they had prior knowledge of talc’s harmful effects but did nothing about it. Despite this evidence, Johnson & Johnson™ continued to use talc in their products without any warnings to the consumer. Johnson & Johnson™ is currently facing more than 1,200 lawsuits alleging its products have led to ovarian cancer. So far in 2016, two juries have heard the evidence and have ruled on the matter. In February, Johnson & Johnson™ was ordered to pay $72 million to the family of a 62-year-old woman who died last year of ovarian cancer caused by years of using Johnson & Johnson’s™ talc-based products. A separate jury just a few weeks ago ordered Johnson & Johnson™ to pay $55 million to a 62-year-old woman who claimed she got ovarian cancer after using Johnson & Johnson’s™ powders on her genital area for decades.

Have you been diagnosed with ovarian cancer? Have you regularly used Johnson & Johnson™ products such as Johnson's® Baby Powder and Shower to Shower® powder? If you have answered yes to both questions, you may be eligible for financial compensation. The Tampa mass tort attorneys at McIntyre Thanasides Bringgold Elliott Grimaldi Guito & Matthews, P.A. will review your case for free and determine if you are eligible to file a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson™. Contact us today at 844-511-4800.