Regular use of talc-based baby powder in the genital area may increase a woman’s chance of developing ovarian cancer by as much as 30%, according to a research report in the Journal of Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
Talc is one of the main ingredients in products such as Johnson & Johnson’s® Baby Powder and Shower to Shower® body powder for women. A naturally occurring mineral, talc shares chemical similarities with asbestos, another mineral widely known to cause deadly cancers.
When talcum powder is directly applied to the genital area, talc particles can travel up the vagina into the fallopian tubes, and then into the ovaries, where the talc molecules can lodge for decades. Talc can cause inflammation in otherwise healthy tissue. When chronic, this inflammation may contribute to the development of cancer.
Ricks known for decades and dismissed by manufacturers
In 1982, Harvard Medical School professor Dr. David Cramer published one of the first scientific studies associating talcum powder use on women’s genital area with an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Subsequent research published in scientific journals such as the American Journal of Epidemiology through the 1980s and 1990s supported Dr. Cramer’s findings. A study published in 1992 urged manufacturers to put warning labels on talcum powder because of the threat to women’s health.
Johnson & Johnson (J&J) lawyers admitted in federal court that the company had been aware of the research associating ovarian cancer with talc since the early 1980s, but J&J intentionally decided not to put warnings on their packaging or in their ads.
Do you have a talcum powder case? We can help.
Davis & Crump is now handling claims for women who have suffered ovarian cancer after use of talcum powder. Davis & Crump is experienced in defective products litigation and settlements. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using either Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder or Shower to Shower, call us at 1-800-277-0300 or email us at info@daviscrump.com.
