If you are a survivor of ovarian cancer, you may have dealt with a number of additional health problems, whether from the treatment for the ovarian cancer or as a result of a weakened immune system. For many cancer survivors, their greatest concern is whether they could face cancer again. Some survivors of ovarian cancer could, indeed, face a new, unrelated cancer, known as a “second cancer.” Unfortunately, no matter what type of cancer you have had—and survived—it is still very possible to develop a new cancer.

Further, specific types of cancers and cancer treatments can be linked to a higher risk of developing a second cancer. Specifically, ovarian cancer survivors have a higher risk of being diagnosed with small intestine cancer, rectal cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer, bladder cancer, bile duct cancer, renal pelvic cancer, acute leukemia and melanoma of the eye. Women who receive radiation therapy to treat their ovarian cancer may also have an increased risk of developing pancreatic and soft tissue cancer. Leukemia is also linked to chemotherapy treatment, particularly the drugs cisplatin and carboplatin. Women who developed ovarian cancer may also have the gene mutations which increase their risk of colorectal and breast cancer as well.  

Follow-up After Treatment for Ovarian Cancer

Some studies have shown that the risk of developing a second cancer appears to be at its highest during the “follow-up” periods which occur after ovarian cancer treatment. Women who have completed their ovarian cancer treatment must still see their doctor on a regular basis in order to watch carefully for any signs the ovarian cancer has come back. Women should always let their doctors known of any new symptoms or problems as these could be tied to a recurrence of the ovarian cancer or to a new cancer. Survivors of ovarian cancer are advised to avoid smoking, maintain a healthy weight, adopt a physically active lifestyle, limit consumption of alcohol, and consume a healthy diet, which includes many plant foods.

Understand the Dangers of Baby Powder with Talc: Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer

Cancer is a scary word for most all people, and ovarian cancer happens to be one of the most serious types of cancer. The subject of ovarian cancer has been in the forefront recently, due to the Johnson & Johnson talcum powder lawsuits. There are likely a considerable number of women across the nation who are feeling some anxiety if they have routinely used talcum powder for feminine hygiene. While some of the studies have been inconclusive regarding the link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer, others have not, concluding there was a 30-40 percent increased risk of ovarian cancer among women who routinely use talcum powder for feminine hygiene.

There have been studies done on the subject since the 1970’s and 1980’s, yet most women are just now hearing about the possible dangers associated with talcum powder. Johnson and Johnson, the manufacture of baby powder with talc and Shower to Shower with talc, maintains there is no safety issue whatsoever with talc, and that they never placed a warning on their talcum powder because there was no reason to do so. Jurors do not seem to agree with J & J. In the second talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuit which concluded in February, 2016, a Missouri jury awarded the family of Jacqueline Fox $72 million in a wrongful death lawsuit--$10 million in compensatory damages and $62 million in punitive damages.

Fox, in a deposition given before her death from ovarian cancer, said she used J & J talcum powder for feminine hygiene for thirty-five years or more. In a third trial, also heard by a Missouri jury, the decision was in favor of plaintiff Gloria Ristesund, for $55 million. Ristesund also said she used J & J talcum powder for feminine hygiene for more than three decades. If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, you may wonder whether your cancer was the result of talcum powder.

Consulting a Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Attorney

If you received a diagnosis of ovarian cancer and you regularly used baby powder with talc for feminine hygiene, it could be beneficial to speak to an experienced talcum powder ovarian cancer attorney. Obtaining talcum powder ovarian cancer legal help early on following your diagnosis can be extremely helpful in trying to hold Johnson & Johnson responsible for your injuries. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.