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Asbestos Ovarian Cancer Lawsuit
This year, 20,000 American women will receive the devastating diagnosis of ovarian cancer. It’s the most deadly cancer that occurs in women’s reproductive systems, and for many women, deception may be the cause of their cancer.
For decades, companies sold talcum powder products contaminated with cancer-causing asbestos without warning consumers of the danger.
In fact, these products were often promoted as safe, even as the manufacturers had direct knowledge of asbestos contamination and the possible health consequences.
These companies chose to keep their profits safe, instead of protecting people.
Asbestos and Ovarian Cancer
Asbestos is a well-known cancer-causing substance. Decades of scientific study has established a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, a rare and incurable cancer found in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart. But in recent years, another cancer site has become a concern: the ovaries.
Studies have now linked ovarian cancer to asbestos exposure from contaminated talcum powder products, and suggest women who have been exposed to asbestos are nearly two times more likely to develop the disease than those not exposed to asbestos.
Until late 2011, the link between asbestos exposure and ovarian cancer risk was unclear. Not only was it hard to make a distinction pathologically between peritoneal mesothelioma and ovarian cancer, but it was assumed that women were at a lower risk for asbestos-related diseases because the main source of asbestos exposure – industrial jobs – were usually performed by men.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the cancer arm of the World Health Organization, investigated common limitations in studies of asbestos-related diseases. The IARC found excessive ovarian cancer deaths among female factory workers through the 20th century, confirming asbestos as the cause. This prompted the University of Illinois at Chicago’s (UIC) School of Public Health to take a closer look.
Through in-depth analysis, UIC researchers found that asbestos fibers can accumulate in the ovaries from exposure both at home and at work. Some women were even exposed second-hand – coming into contact with men who worked with asbestos-containing materials or in asbestos-related industries. But not all women with ovarian cancer were exposed in these ways. What was the cause of their cancer?
Unknown to them, millions of women were exposed to asbestos through the talcum powder products that they used every day for hygiene. Evidence showed that the common, seemingly-harmless daily self-care routine of these women, which included vaginal use of talc, was a cause of their ovarian cancer. The talc in many powder products sold to women also contained asbestos, and the companies producing these products kept it a secret.
UIC discovered that cancer develops when asbestos fibers become lodged in ovarian tissue, leading to chronic inflammation. Exactly how these fibers enter the ovaries – whether through the reproductive tract, the bloodstream, or the lymph system – is still unknown. Women’s susceptibility to ovarian cancer, non-occupational risk factors, and the latency period between exposure and development of the disease (which, for mesothelioma, is 10-50 years) is also little understood.
Despite limitations in their study, UIC’s support of IARC data was conclusive: that exposure to asbestos from talc use is indeed associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Furthermore, this risk is about one-and-three-quarter times higher. The IARC now classifies asbestos-containing talc as “carcinogenic to humans.”
If you believe you or a loved one could have developed ovarian cancer as a result of genital talc use, Simmons Hanly Conroy may be able to help. Contact Us for a free legal consultation today.
Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer
Talcum powder’s link to causing ovarian cancer has been established for decades. Despite this, talcum powder continues to be sold without a warning label. Given that cornstarch is a safe, but relatively unknown, alternative, corporate interests seem to have taken priority over public safety.
In fact, talcum powder lawsuits are now being filed against Johnson & Johnson (J&J), alleging that the manufacturer failed to warn consumers about the risk of talc powder causing cancer. As the main supplier of talc powder products, J&J continues to sell its harmful products to women and children alike without warning them of their cancer risk.
Some J&J talcum powder products to be aware of include:
- Johnson’s® baby powder
- Shower to Shower® absorbent body powder
- Face powder
- Body powder
- Deodorizing powder
Though study results have varied, the connection between talcum powder and ovarian cancer is backed by several studies.
Talc particles were found in ovarian tumors as early as the 1970s, sparking research into the substance that is now known to be a definite risk. Even then, talc powder product manufacturers denied allegations, and products were still advertised as a safe way to freshen up.
A 1992 study confirmed suspicions with the finding that genital use of talc powder increases a woman’s risk of ovarian cancer by 33 percent. When used on the genitals to increase ‘freshness,’ as it is advertised to do, the powder particles can travel into the body and cause ovarian inflammation. Ovarian inflammation then leads to ovarian cancer, the fifth cause of cancer deaths among women.
Since this formative finding, countless other studies and requests for justice have been met with silence by talcum powder product manufacturers. Even the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has declined to address this public safety concern, citing it does not have the authority to regulate cosmetic products.
Asbestos Ovarian Cancer Lawsuit FAQs
What is talcum powder?
You’ve probably heard of talcum powder products, but you may not know exactly what talc is. Talc is made up of elements such as silicon, oxygen, and magnesium. As a product, it is used to prevent rashes, keep skin dry, and reduce friction.
What products will I find talc in?
Talc is in many cosmetic products, such as baby powder. It can also be found in most face, body, and deodorizing powders.
Several of Johnson and Johnson’s products contain talc, such as Johnson’s® baby powder and Shower to Shower ® body powder. These products have led to an increase in baby powder lawsuits.
When is talcum powder use dangerous?
Talcum powder is dangerous when used on the genitals as a cleansing or freshening product. Perineal, or genital use, of talcum powder products is linked to ovarian cancer.
Unfortunately, many women are not aware of the dangerous side effects to this type of talc powder use. Talc powder is sometimes used on sanitary napkins or condoms, but is also used alone.
How are talcum powder and ovarian cancer linked?
Talc particles were first found in ovarian tumors in the 1970s. Since then, the research linking the two has grown.
When used on the genitals, talcum powder can travel through the vagina and fallopian tubes into the ovaries, where it can cause inflammation. This use of talcum powder is posited to increase the risk of ovarian cancer by 33 percent.
Why are there no warnings on talcum powder products?
Talcum powder product manufacturers, such as Johnson & Johnson, have generally overlooked the link between talcum powder & ovarian cancer. Additionally, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not have the authority to review safety information for cosmetic products.
Although the FDA acknowledges the risks of talc powder use, it has not responded to many citizen petitions over the years. So, the products continue to be sold without a warning.
What are asbestos ovarian cancer risk factors?
Certain risk factors can increase a woman’s chances of developing ovarian cancer. Some of the risk factors are uncontrollable, while others can be avoided.
Here is a short list of some of the most common ovarian cancer risk factors:
- Increased age
- Obesity
- Pregnancy after age 35
- Reproductive difficulties (never carrying a pregnancy to term)
- Fertility drugsAndrogens (male hormones)
- Estrogen therapy and hormone therapy
- Family and/or personal history of ovarian, breast or colorectal cancer
- High-fat diets
There is one ovarian cancer risk factor that many women may not know. Talcum powder, which can be found in baby powder, body and facial powders, deodorant powders, and other cosmetic products, has been linked to an increased ovarian cancer risk. When applied directly to the genital area or on sanitary napkins, studies have shown that cancer-causing components from the powder may reach the ovaries.
Specifically, one study found a possible 30 percent increased risk of ovarian cancer with the perineal or genital use of talcum powder. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also posted a warning about talcum powder and ovarian cancer on its website.
While ovarian cancer risk factors like increased age, family history, and reproductive difficulties are out of a woman’s control, other factors like using talcum powder in the genital area, consuming high-fat diets, or using male hormones are avoidable.
It’s important to understand all of the potential risk factors for serious conditions like ovarian cancer — especially if you have ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer in your personal or family history.
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Written by:Simmons Hanly ConroyThe Simmons Hanly Conroy Editorial Team consists of journalists, writers and editors who strive to deliver accurate and useful information to families needing legal help. Our team works alongside the firm's attorneys and partners, as well as with medical professionals and other specialists, to keep all information relevant and helpful.