Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer

Have you been diagnosed with ovarian cancer? Do you use talcum powder on your genital area? At McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates, our attorneys are reviewing claims that talcum powder causes ovarian cancer, and that the women in these cases were not warned of the deadly risks associated with these products.

For a free case evaluation, call our dangerous product attorneys in South Carolina at 888-353-5513.

Studies show an increased Risk of Ovarian Cancer from Talcum Powder Use

For decades, evidence has been mounting that commonly used talc-based body powders can cause ovarian cancer when it’s used on the genital area. One recent study showed a 20 percent to 30 percent increase in the risk of ovarian cancer for women who used talc for intimate personal hygiene. Experts believe the talc powder particles may travel from the genitals into the ovaries, yet labeling on these products say the powder is safe for external use on the body.

The labels for popular talcum powder products made by Johnson & Johnson (J&J) and others contain no warnings of the risk of ovarian cancer. If you developed this disease after using this product, contact us immediately to discuss your legal options with our defective product lawyers. You may be eligible to pursue compensation in a lawsuit.

Recently, a class action was brought against Johnson & Johnson in California federal court. The suit claims that the company’s baby powder products significantly increase the risk of ovarian cancer, but that Johnson & Johnson fails to disclose this risk on its labels.

For as long as talcum powder has been used, women have been using it for intimate hygiene in the genital area. The powder is also commonly used on babies. Talcum powder is used to keep skin dry by absorbing moisture and to reduce friction. It prevents rashes. This seemingly innocuous body product has been advertised as safe and harmless for decades.

Cases against Talc Powder Makers are Growing

In decades past, all talcum powders contained asbestos, a naturally occurring substance known to cause mesothelioma when it is inhaled into the lungs. Although most talcum powders no longer contain any asbestos, research is beginning to indicate that simply the talc particles in talcum powder can cause ovarian cancer.

In 2013, a jury found for the plaintiff in a case alleging ovarian cancer was caused by asbestos-free talcum powder. The jury said Johnson & Johnson was liable for negligence, but, unfortunately, did not award the plaintiff compensatory or punitive damages.

The case history and medical research that is building is pointing toward a definite link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer, and yet J&J has never warned women using their product of this deadly health risk.

If you or a loved one has developed ovarian cancer after years of using talcum powder on the genitals, please contact McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates for a free case evaluation. Our experienced injury and product liability attorneys serve clients across South Carolina, including Camden, Sumter, Lexington, Newberry, and Columbia.