Talcum or Baby Powder and Ovarian Cancer
Located in Schenectady, NY and Atlanta, GA 
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Located in Schenectady, NY and Atlanta, GA 
518-370-2211

Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer

Contingency Basis ONLY | FREE Consultations | Decades of Experience
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Is Talc Linked to Cancer?

Is the use of talcum or baby powder connected to a risk of ovarian cancer? This powder is often used to absorb moisture and reduce odor.

Two recent verdicts against Johnson & Johnson in St. Louis, one for $72 million and the other for $55 million have highlighted the connection between talcum powder use and ovarian cancer. 

Research on this topic dates back to 1971, when scientists discovered particles of talc in ovarian and cervical tumors. Further studies confirmed that talcum applied to the genitals can work its way into the genital-urinary tract and the peritoneal cavity, where the ovaries are found. One study of ovarian tumors indicated that 75% of them contained talc.

The American Cancer Society also analyzed the results of 16 separate studies done before 2003 and concluded there was a 30% increase of the risk of ovarian cancer for women who used talcum powder. It is important to understand that statistic does not mean that 30% of female talc user will get ovarian cancer. It means the overall risk of a woman getting ovarian cancer, which is about 1.4%, is increased by 30%, which brings the risk up to 1.8%.

Further Studies and Research

A study published in the Journal of Cancer in August of 2015 concluded that women who used talcum on their genitals or on sanitary napkins were three times more likely to develop cancer than women who did not. That study was led by Dr. Daniel W. Cramer of Harvard, who has testified on behalf of the plaintiffs in the previously mentioned cases.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), an arm of the World Health Organization (WHO), has classified talcum used in the genital area as a possible carcinogen.

In 1982, the New York Times ran an article suggesting that Johnson & Johnson was already well aware of the increased risk of ovarian cancer from the use of talc on the genitals.

Johnson & Johnson is appealing the two Missouri verdicts and is claiming that the research cited against it is unreliable because it employed flawed methodologies. The company claims its product is safe and points to studies that it says shows talc has no role in causing cancer.
Compensation

Compensation May Be Possible

Two recent verdicts against Johnson & Johnson in St. Louis, Missouri, one for $72 million and the other for $55 million have highlighted the connection between talcum powder use and ovarian cancer. Talcum or baby powder is often used to absorb moisture and reduce odor. The plaintiffs in these cases were women who used the product on their genital areas.

Schedule Your FREE Consultation

If you or a loved one has been a long-time user of talcum or baby powder and later received a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, contact the law offices of Bendall & Mednick. You may be entitled to monetary compensation. Call us today at 518-370-2211.

FREE
Consultations

Bendall & Mednick has served residents of the Capital District of New York for years.

518-370-2211

"I found Kevin Mednick (Now Retired)  to be approachable, professional, and thorough. Filing the claim was made easy and the results were quite favorable. I would recommend Kevin without reservation."
~ Don Niskayuna
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