Lawsuits Alleges J&J Knew About Ovarian Cancer Risk from Talcum Powder
Women who use talc-based powders for feminine hygiene purposes may have a 20% to 30% increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Johnson & Johnson faces yet another product liability lawsuit, filed on behalf of an Illinois woman who alleges that the company has withheld for decades information about the risk of ovarian cancer from its talc-based Shower-to-Shower and Baby Powder products, when used for feminine hygiene purposes. The talcum powder lawsuit was filed by Judith Harlan last month in Madison County Circuit Court, and seeks compensation from Johnson & Johnson, Talc America, Personal Care Products Council f/k/a/ Luzenac America Inc., and Walgreens, all of which are involved in the manufacture, marketing or distribution of Johnson’s Baby Powder. If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and you believe J&J talcum powder to be the cause, contact an experienced talc powder cancer attorney today for legal help.
Talc Powder Alleged Linked to Ovarian Cancer
A growing body of research has linked the use of talcum powder products for feminine hygiene purposes to an increased risk of ovarian cancer, finding that the talc may migrate through the vagina to the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. According to Harlan’s lawsuit, she used Johnson’s Baby Powder as a feminine hygiene product from 1964 until 2013, which allegedly resulted in her recent diagnosis of ovarian cancer. In her complaint, Harlan accuses Johnson & Johnson of knowing about the potential for talc-based products like its Baby Powder and Shower-to-Shower powders to increase the risk of ovarian cancer when used around the genitals, but failed to provide consumers and the medical community with adequate warnings about the side effect risk.
Johnson & Johnson Accused of Failure to Warn
Judith Harlan’s ovarian cancer lawsuit joins a growing number of product liability lawsuits brought against Johnson & Johnson over side effects of talcum powder, which some experts estimate may be accountable for thousands of new cases of cancer diagnosed in the United States every year. All of the talcum powder complaints involve similar allegations that Johnson & Johnson knew or should have known about the connection between talc-based products and ovarian cancer for decades, but continued to promote its baby powder for feminine hygiene purposes for years, without providing consumers or doctors with any warnings about the potential risk of side effects.
A Skilled Talcum Powder Attorney Can Help
According to a study published in June 2013, women who use baby powder or body powders containing talc may have a 20% to 30% increased risk of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer, compared to women who don’t use the products for feminine hygiene purposes. Four months later, a South Dakota jury ruled that there was a connection between ovarian cancer diagnosed in a 56-year-old woman and the Johnson Shower-to-Shower body powder she used for decades. If you believe you have been adversely affected by side effects of talcum powder, our consumer advocates at the Leading Justice can help. We are dedicated to protecting the rights of consumers harmed by allegedly dangerous products, and we can help put you in touch with a knowledgeable lawyer who has experience handling talc powder cancer claims.
