Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder is a household name, and many consumers first experience with the product came before they could even walk. Many life-long users of the product have begun to file lawsuits against J&J after receiving devastating ovarian cancer diagnoses while using the personal hygiene product.
What Is Baby Powder?
Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder is an astringent powder used in the prevention of diaper rash, as a deodorant, and to wick up excess moisture on the skin. It is made of talc, a soft clay mineral composed of hydrated magnesium silicate. Talc-based baby powder is one of the most widely used cosmetic substances on earth.
Many studies have drawn a link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer, including a 2014 Cancer Prevention Research study that concluded women using genital powder (baby powder) face an up to “30% increase in risk of developing epithelial ovarian cancer.”
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is a disease that causes abnormal cells to divide uncontrollably and destroy tissue in the ovaries, a female reproductive organ. It has been shown that up to 1 in 70 women will develop this form of cancer in their lives. 85% to 90% of diagnosed cases are cancerous epithelial tumor or carcinoma. The 5-year relative survival rate for OC is 45%. However, If ovarian cancer if found and treated before it can exit the ovaries, the 5-year relative survival jumps to 92%.
There are a variety of treatments for the disease including:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Hormone therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Radiation therapy
Ovarian cancer is considered to be one of the more treatable forms of cancer if detected early. As such, doctors recommend regular screenings for the disease after the age of 40.
Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
Ovarian cancer is often challenging to diagnose, as its symptoms tend to be vague and generalized. However, if symptoms are identified early, doctors can screen for the cancer using one of two tests; a transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) or a CA-125 blood test. Only 20% of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed an early stage, which is why doctors recommend paying close attention to any of the following symptoms:
Common Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
- Abdominal bloating, indigestion or nausea
- Changes in appetite, such as a loss of appetite or feeling full sooner
- Pressure in the pelvis or lower back
- A more frequent or urgent need to urinate and/or constipation
- Changes in bowel movements
- Increased abdominal girth
- Tiredness or low energy
- Changes in menstruation
- Ovarian cysts, masses or tumors
Symptoms of ovarian cysts, masses or tumors may include:
- Pelvic pain
- Pain shortly before or after the start of your period
- Pressure, swelling or pain in the abdomen
- A dull ache in the lower back and thighs
- Difficulty emptying your bladder
- Pain during sex
- Abnormal bleeding
- Nausea or vomiting
If you have experienced any of the above symptoms, contact your health care provider immediately.
Baby Powder and Ovarian Cancer
With a number of studies linking talcum powder to reproductive cancers, sufferers are finally seeing results in their quest for accountability. Though Johnson & Johnson has strictly denied fault in talc induced ovarian cancer cases, the drug giant has suffered at least three cancer case losses in American courtrooms.
Some of the recent trial verdicts have included:
- $417 million (California)
- $67.5 million (St. Louis, Missouri)
- $70 million (California)
Experts predict that lawsuits will continue to mount against the billion-dollar drug giant.
Baby Powder In The News
The New York Times reported on Lois Slemp of Wise, Va., who was recently awarded an unprecedented $110.5 million in a lawsuit claiming that her use of Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder caused ovarian cancer.
The 62-year-old was diagnosed with cancer in 2012 after using J&J baby powder for over four decades. “I trusted Johnson & Johnson. Big mistake,” she said. Johnson & Johnson continues to argue that their product is harmless, despite the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifying genital use of talc as “possibly carcinogenic.”
Another recent multimillion dollar settlement was reported by NBC News, as Deborah Giannecchini of Modesto, California, was awarded $70 Million for her cancer diagnosis at the hands of J&J Baby Powder.
Like Lois Slemp, Giannecchini was a long time user of the powder. In 2012 she was shocked to learn that she had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. After receiving her settlement the mother of two said, “I was just elated, so relieved it was over. I felt like I accomplished something. … There were happy tears and just joy.”
This verdict marked the fourth straight loss for J&J. Court after court has found the multibillion dollar manufacturer guilty of not properly informing customers of elevated ovarian cancer risk.
Do you have a Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder lawsuit?
Thousands of lawsuits have been filed against talc product manufacturers claiming their products are unsafe, and that the drug giants have not properly warned of the devastating side effects.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and you were a user of Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder, you are not alone. To learn how our talcum powder lawyers can help you and your family, please contact us for a Free Case Evaluation. We would be honored to speak with you and will respond promptly to every inquiry we receive.
Free Case Evaluation
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