June 10, 2016 - Perhaps you have heard about the recent talcum powder ovarian cancer settlement with Johnson & Johnson, or perhaps you are one of the potentially thousands of women who have developed talcum powder ovarian serous cancer after talc fiber migration through the Fallopian tubes. A Missouri jury recently found in favor of the plaintiff in a talcum powder ovarian cancer death.
The wrongful death suit against Johnson & Johnson alleged the company failed to provide warnings on their powders which contained talc, about the potential link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer. The jury awarded the family of Jacqueline Fox $72 million--$10 million in compensatory damages, and $62 million in punitive damages. Johnson & Johnson continues to maintain that there are no dangers associated with talcum powder, therefore there was no reason to warn women.
Talcum Powder Used for Feminine Hygiene Could Potentially Cause Cancer of the Reproductive Organs
In 1971, researchers found talc particles deeply embedded in the ovarian tumors of ten out of thirteen women. This led to the theory that talc particles can travel through the vagina and Fallopian tubes, into the ovaries, leading to talcum powder ovarian cancer.
A 1982 Harvard study concluded that women who regularly use talcum powder in the genital region had twice the risk of ovarian cancer, while those who used talcum powder in the genital region and on their sanitary napkins had 3.28 times the risk of developing ovarian cancer as did women who did not use talcum powder for feminine hygiene.
The Cancer Prevention Coalition urged J & J to remove talc from their powder products in 1994, but while the company added powder products which used cornstarch instead of talc, they continued to sell baby powder with talc and Shower to Shower powder, which also contained talc.
Could Talcum Powder Lead to Fallopian and Ovarian Cancers?
Ovarian or Fallopian cancers may occur as the talc fibers travel through the Fallopian tubes to the ovaries. Emerging data points to the possibility that the Fallopian tube may play a critical role in what has traditionally been classified as serous ovarian cancer. The majority of ovarian cancer diagnoses occur in advanced stages, primarily due to the fact that no screening test exists to detect early-stage ovarian or Fallopian cancers. Serous ovarian tumors are aggressive, and though they may respond to surgery and chemotherapy, they usually recur.
Those who have studied the issue extensively believe that the talc fibers from talcum powder produce inflammation in the Fallopian tubes and in the ovaries. When talcum powder is used over an extended period of time in the genital region, the inflammation would be constant, and inflammation is a known factor in the development of cancers. The role of the Fallopian tube in ovarian cancer continues to be investigated although it has been hypothesized that ovarian tumors may have precursor lesions in the Fallopian tube.
Could You Benefit from Speaking to a Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Attorney?
If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and you have a lengthy history of using talcum powder products for feminine hygiene, you may have grounds for a talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuit. At this point, the more than 1,200 lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson have been filed in Missouri and in New Jersey. Because of the statutes of limitations which govern product liability cases, it could be very beneficial for you to speak with an experienced talcum powder ovarian cancer attorney who can answer your questions and help to protect your rights.