Marla used baby powder almost every day – just like her mother and her grandmother and many of the women in her family. Something named baby powder would have to be completely innocent and never hurt anyone, right? That’s what many women like Marla thought for years. However, a few years ago, researchers made a connection between baby powder and ovarian cancer. Certain ingredients in baby powder, especially talc, could be harmful. In response to an increase in ovarian cancer cases, many women filed lawsuits against manufacturers and distributors. One of the biggest defendants in these ‘talc lawsuits’ is Johnson & Johnson. Read on to learn more about baby powder, ovarian cancer, and the litigation surrounding them.
Some Facts About Ovarian Cancer
Ovaries are part of a woman’s reproductive system. Ovarian cancer occurs when cells become malignant and start to grow uncontrollably. Many types of cancer can be caught early and treated successfully.
However, ovarian cancer is often difficult to diagnose. Some patients don’t realize they have this cancer until it has spread to other parts of their bodies.
About one in 75 women could develop ovarian cancer, although it is usually diagnosed in women over age 63. When cancer is found before it has spread, women have over a 90% chance of surviving for at least five years. However, the survival rate drops to around 30% if it has already metastasized.
Several research studies have shown that women who regularly used talcum powder were approximately 30% more likely to develop ovarian cancer than women who did not use baby powder.
A Short History of Baby Powder and Ovarian Cancer Lawsuits
In 1982, researchers found that using talcum powder increased a woman’s risk of developing ovarian cancer.
By 1993, additional connections between baby powder and ovarian cancer emerged. For example, the United States National Toxicology Program determined that talc is carcinogenic.
Over the next 20 years, more studies showed at least the possibility of a link between talc and ovarian cancer.
Plaintiffs began filing the first talcum powder lawsuits in 2009. More lawsuits were filed, including class action cases.
Juries in 2016 ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay millions of dollars in compensation to plaintiffs claiming a causal link between baby powder and ovarian cancer.
Almost 20,000 women have filed baby powder/ovarian cancer lawsuits. In October 2020, Johnson & Johnson agreed to a $100 million settlement with about 1,000 plaintiffs.
What will happen to the rest of the lawsuits remains to be seen. However, despite this large settlement, it is not too late for new lawsuits to be filed.
Baby Powder and Ovarian Cancer Might Be Connected…
If you or a loved one developed cancer after using baby powder, you might consider whether to sue or not. Please discuss your concerns with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
At the Dailey Law Firm, P.C., our team of skilled lawyers and professionals provide the high-quality legal services you need. Call us at 844-342-5353 to set up a free consultation or use the Contact Form on our website. There’s no fee for personal injury cases unless we win.
We represent clients throughout the entire United States. You can reach us online or visit one of our offices in Detroit, MI; Chicago, IL; or Valparaiso, IN.