The use of talcum powder in the genital area has been linked to ovarian cancer since the 1980’s. Studies published in May 2015 in the International Journal of Gynecological Cancer found that talk increased the risk of ovarian cancer by 30%-60%, and this has been confirmed by other recent studies by the National Cancer Institute. The connection between talc and ovarian cancer was made stronger when scientists discovered talc minerals inside cancerous tumors removed from women’s bodies.
Until recently, only one talc lawsuit had been won in federal court, but it awarded no damages. In February 2016, a jury ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $72 million in damages to the family of a woman whose death from ovarian cancer was linked to decades of use of baby powder. 2016 saw Johnson & Johnson lose jury verdicts of $72 million, $55 million, and $70 million.
Even more recently, Johnson & Johnson was ordered by Missouri court to pay more than $110 million to a Virginia woman whose ovarian cancer was linked to using talcum powder for decades. One Alabama firm said it had 867 cases pending against Johnson & Johnson, and 1,400 plaintiffs have filed 20 lawsuits in Missouri.
Plaintiffs claim that Johnson & Johnson knew about the risks associated with talcum powder and hid it from consumers. Plaintiffs have also cited an internal memo from Johnson & Johnson linking talcum powder to ovarian cancer. Since there are so many cases open it may be years until they are all resolved.
If you or a loved one used talcum powder for an extended period of time and has developed ovarian cancer, set up your free consultation with one of our attorneys today.