Ovarian Cancer Claim Based on Talcum Powder Use

A new lawsuit alleges that a plaintiff developed ovarian cancer from using talcum powder and was never warned about the possible connection and risk.

Ovarian Cancer Lawsuit Includes Claims From Estate

This ovarian cancer lawsuit was filed on behalf of a plaintiff who received a diagnosis and ultimately passed away due to the disease.

Johnson & Johnson, the makers of the most popular talcum products on the market, are accused of not warning the public about the risks of ovarian cancer development that may occur when a female uses the products on or near their genitals.

The ovarian cancer lawsuit alleges that the woman who received the diagnosis developed ovarian cancer because of her prolonged exposure to dangerous particles in the talcum powder products made and sold by Johnson & Johnson.

The lawsuit argues that the makers knew about the possible risks but did not tell consumers about how continued exposure near the genitals might lead, over time, to a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. The lawsuit says that a suitable substitute exists — cornstarch. Despite that fact, the company has continued to make and sell talcum powder products, alleges the lawsuit.

The marketing materials for talcum powder products include symbols for purity and freshness, points out the complaint. Johnson & Johnson does not include appropriate information about the dangers of long-term usage, however.

Many of the legal claims surrounding talcum powder and ovarian cancer are based on research studies that found a connection between the two. Many of the women filing lawsuits and estate representatives handling their cases after they pass away allege that the women used these products for many years, sometimes decades, before developing ovarian cancer.

Studies Identify Ovarian Cancer Risk May Be Related to Talcum Powder Usage

The first study looking into the link between ovarian cancer and talcum powder was completed in 1982. At that time, the researcher involved in the project suggested that the manufacturer put a warning label on the talc products. Since then, the lawsuit says, more than 22 additional studies have been completed that suggest a possible link between long-term talc powder usage and the development of ovarian cancer.

The most recent study was completed in 2010 and looked at more than 66,000 women. That research study found that women who applied talcum powder in the genital area had a 21% higher risk of endometrial cancer.

More ovarian cancer claims have been lodged in recent years from women who used the product consistently over the long term. In some of these ovarian cancer cases, the plaintiff ultimately passed away from the disease.

The defendants are accused of hiding information about the dangers of the product and continuing to market those items aggressively as a daily solution for freshness. Ovarian cancer lawsuits allege that is was their daily usage of Johnson & Johnson talc products without knowledge of the risks that may have caused them to develop cancer.

If you or a loved one developed ovarian cancer after baby powder or talc use, consult with the lawyers at Bradley/Grombacher by filling out the form on this page. 

The ovarian cancer lawsuit is Case No. 5:18-cv-00154, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District Court for the Central District of California.

Note: Bradley/Grombacher is not representing the plaintiff in this lawsuit.