J&J Talcum Powder Lawsuit Claims Ovarian Cancer Risk Was Known

Santa Clara, CAThe fourth ovarian cancer trial brought against Talc maker Johnson & Johnson (J&J) and Imerys Talc America is set to go to court next week. It follows three previous trials, all of which saw multi-million dollar awards for plaintiffs who alleged they developed ovarian cancer from using J&J Talc-containing products. In 2016, talc-product ovarian cancer victims were awarded jury verdicts of $70 million, $72 million and $55 million against J&J.

The trial beginning next week involves a 56 year old woman from Tennesee, Nora Daniels, who claims to have developed ovarian cancer as a result of using J&J’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower on her genital area over a period of 35 years.

A six-man, six-woman jury will likely hear evidence that despite having been aware of the dangers of talcum powder for decades, J&J has made every attempt to dismiss and suppress the scientific data that shows the link between talcum for genital hygiene and ovarian cancer.

“More than 20 well-executed scientific studies show as much as a 60 percent increased risk of developing ovarian cancer among women who have used talcum powder for genital hygiene compared to those who have never used it,” says Ted Meadows, an attorney and principal at the Beasley Allen Law Firm in Montgomery, Alabama. “Once again we will show that J&J has ignored these findings, has refused to provide product label warnings and continues to falsely claim these products are safe.”

According to medical experts, about 10 percent of new ovarian cancer cases reported annually result from the use of talcum powder on the genital area. It is further estimated that 14,000 women die from talc-related ovarian cancer each year. Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in the US.Talc use is a modifiable risk factor, which, if eliminated, could save the lives of thousands of woman each year.