When we purchase everyday products for our home, we’re placing our trust in the hands of manufacturers. We assume that these products have been vetted, tested, and proven safe for families to use.
So when it’s alleged that a staple toiletry like talcum powder may cause ovarian cancer, and manufacturers like Johnson & Johnson knew about the cancer risk for decades but failed to warn consumers, it is an affront to the American people.
Worse yet, Johnson & Johnson specifically targeted their talcum products towards African American women through advertising campaigns and internal memos within the company. This led to more frequent use of talcum powder by African American consumers.
In 2015, a case-control study based in Los Angeles found that 44 percent of African American women reported using talcum powder, compared to 30 percent of white women and 29 percent of Hispanic women, according to Reuters. Another recent study interviewing African American women with ovarian cancer found that 63 percent of the women with ovarian cancer reported using talcum powder for feminine hygiene.
Johnson & Johnson was reportedly aware of their product’s cancer risk, and still the company pushed talcum powder to women — especially African American women — as a safe product.
Ben Crump knows that this violation of trust is unacceptable. And because Mr. Crump and his team grew up surrounded by women who all used the product without knowing the risks it posed to their health and well-being, the company’s alleged negligence is a personal matter.
If you or someone you love has developed ovarian cancer after using talcum powder, Mr. Crump may be able to help you recover compensation for your injuries and hold the manufacturers responsible for their alleged deception and negligence. Contact Mr. Crump today.
What is Talcum Powder?
Talcum powder consists of perfume and talc, a soft clay mineral that’s used in baby powder and other cosmetic products. Because talcum powder absorbs moisture, it is commonly used for feminine hygiene and eliminating odors.
Manufacturers like Johnson & Johnson advertised their talcum powder products specifically for feminine hygiene, and as a result, many women would regularly use the product on their genital area for freshness.
How Talcum Powder Can Hurt You
Talcum powder’s suspected link to cancer has been the subject of more than 20 studies since 1971. An analysis of these studies has found that women using talcum powder on their genital area were 33 percent more likely to develop ovarian cancer.
Worse yet, it’s alleged that Johnson & Johnson was aware of this ovarian cancer risk, but did not warn consumers using the product. Beyond a product label stating Johnson & Johnson talcum products were for “external use only,” there was no warning to consumers that this product could potentially be dangerous.
But why is talcum powder believed to be harmful? Researchers suspect that the talc minerals in talcum powder can travel to the ovaries and become embedded in the tissue when talcum powder is used on the genital area.
The body has a hard time flushing out fine particles like talc. Over the span of years, this talc mineral can cause an inflammation in the tissue, resulting in cancerous ovarian tumors.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
If you or someone you love has used talcum powder before, you should be on the lookout for symptoms of ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer is difficult to detect, unfortunately, especially in the early stages of cancer. However, there are signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer that women diagnosed with it have identified, according to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition. These symptoms include:
- Bloating
- Pelvic/abdominal pain
- Trouble eating
- Feeling the need to urinate often
- Fatigue
- Upset stomach
- Back pain
- Constipation
- Menstrual Changes
If you suspect you have symptoms of ovarian cancer that may be linked to talcum powder use, visit your healthcare provider right away.
Successful Lawsuits Against Talc Powder Manufacturers
There have been a number of victorious lawsuits filed against Johnson & Johnson over talcum powder and its link to ovarian cancer. In 2013, a jury found that Johnson & Johnson should have warned women about the risk of developing ovarian cancer when using talcum powder for feminine hygiene.
A number of women and their families have come forward since, claiming that the company’s talc powder caused them to develop ovarian cancer, some cases being fatal.
In February 2016, the family of Jacqueline Fox was awarded $72 million after a jury found that her daily use of talcum powder over the span of 35 years was the cause of her fatal ovarian cancer.
And in October 2016, a jury ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay Deborah Giannecchini $70 million after finding that the woman’s ovarian cancer was caused by four-decade use of the company’s talc powder.
These are just a handful of the women and families who have successfully stood up to Johnson & Johnson and sued for their alleged neglect. Currently, the class action lawsuit against the company (and other manufacturers) is ongoing as a consolidated MDL, with tens of thousands of plaintiffs waiting for a favorable outcome. While J&J agreed to settle about one thousand of these cases (the weaker ones, where the victims need a settlement check as soon as possible), you should consult with a class action lawsuit lawyer about your case. Many expect bulk settlements from J&J, but your attorney can advise you on your best course of action if you have solid evidence that the use of talcum powder caused your ovarian cancer.
Ben Crump Can Help You Get Justice
If you or someone you love has developed ovarian cancer after using any of Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products, Mr. Crump wants to hear from you. Contact Mr. Crump’s office today for a free review of your case. He may be able to help you get the justice you deserve.
