There are currently over 50,000 lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson that allege that the company’s talc-based baby powder caused certain types of cancer, including ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. The lawsuits allege that the cancer was caused by asbestos found in baby powder. While Johnson & Johnson has denied that their talc products ever contained asbestos and that there is no link between mesothelioma or ovarian cancer and talc powder, a new study suggests this may not be the case.
According to a study that was recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, evidence suggests that applying talc powder to the genitals is associated with ovarian cancer, particularly among those who used talc powder frequently or for long periods of time. Other studies have shown that the majority of talc-based mesothelioma cases stem from cosmetics containing asbestos-contaminated talc. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using talcum powder, you may be entitled to financial compensation. A lawyer will discuss the details of your case.
What Is Talcum Powder?
Talcum powder is made from talc, magnesium, silicon, and oxygen minerals. In a powder form, talc is absorbent and reduces friction, which means it is effective at keeping skin dry and preventing rashes. It is also widely used in cosmetic products, including baby powder, cosmetics, and adult body and facial powders. However, in its most natural form, some talc may contain asbestos, a known carcinogen.
While talc has been linked to certain types of cancer, it is important to understand that only asbestos-containing talc is linked to cancer, while the evidence suggesting that asbestos-free talc causes cancer is unclear. Researchers use the following types of studies to determine whether substances or exposure to the substance causes cancer:
- Lab studies: Researchers may expose animals to large doses of a substance to determine whether it causes tumors or other significant health complications. They may also test how normal cells in a lab dish react to a substance to see if it causes specific genetic changes in cancer cells. Even if the lab studies do not apply to humans, they are an effective way to determine whether the substance could be cancer-causing.
- Studies in people: This is another way researchers determine if a substance may cause cancer. Studies may compare the cancer risk in a group exposed to a substance to the risk in a group that is not exposed to that substance. They may also compare it to what would be expected in the general population, although it can be challenging to know what the results of studies mean since other factors could impact the results.
How Does Talc Cause Ovarian Cancer and Mesothelioma?
Talc is one of the main ingredients in baby powder and other talcum powder products, including Johnson’s Baby Powder, Nivea Pure Talc, and Gold Bond Medicated Powder. For decades, women used these products for their hygiene, sprinkling the powder on their genitals to keep them dry and fresh. In 2006, Johnson & Johnson launched a campaign targeting minority and overweight women, encouraging them to use talcum powder as a genital deodorant and antiperspirant. Unfortunately, when talc is used in this way, it can migrate to the cervix and ovaries and increase the risk of cancer if the talc contains asbestos.
Inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers in contaminated talc can lead to mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive cancer affecting the protective lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Some studies revealed that cosmetic talc was the only known source of asbestos exposure in more than 100 women’s cases of mesothelioma. Asbestos accumulates during a long latency period within the body, and its glass-like fibers cause inflammation and scarring, leading to the development of cancerous cells. The presence of asbestos contamination in talc is a critical factor in the potential risk of developing this deadly disease.
What Are the Highlights of the Study?
Researchers from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) based their findings on the Sister Study, which enrolled over 50,000 women in the United States from 2003 to 2009. Participants were between the ages of 35 and 74, each of whom had a sister who had been diagnosed with breast cancer, which put the participants at an increased risk for breast or ovarian cancer.
What Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?
According to the Cancer Prevention Research Journal, a woman increases her chances of ovarian cancer by 41 percent if she uses a talc-based powder on or near her genitals. One of the reasons that ovarian cancer is so deadly is that the symptoms are often vague or mimic other common health issues. By the time the cancer is diagnosed, it has often spread, making it much more difficult to treat. If symptoms are addressed as soon as possible and the cancer is caught early, there is a better chance that the treatment options will be effective. The following are common symptoms of ovarian cancer:
- Abdominal bloating or swelling
- Weight loss
- Pelvic discomfort
- Feeling full quickly when eating
- Constipation and changes in bowel movements
- Frequent urination
What Are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies asbestos-contaminated talc as a carcinogen with an increased risk of cancer. Women are largely more affected by talc-based mesothelioma, believed to be linked to cosmetics and personal hygiene regimens. The most common forms of talc-based mesothelioma are pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma, affecting the lungs and abdomen. Symptoms of pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma include:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent cough
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chronic fatigue
- Fever or night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
- Swollen face and arms
- Lumps under the skin on the chest
- Clubbed (swollen) fingertips
- Painful or swollen abdomen
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Bowel or urinary problems
What Are My Legal Options if I Was Diagnosed With an Asbestos Illness?
If you were diagnosed with ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, or ovarian cancer after using a product containing talc, you may be entitled to financial compensation. A lawyer will assist you with every step. A dedicated asbestos attorney will protect your legal rights, help you collect the needed evidence, including biopsy results that test positive for traces of talc, and hold the negligent party liable.
Our Philadelphia Asbestos Attorneys at Shein Law Represent Clients Diagnosed With Asbestos Illnesses
If you or a loved one was diagnosed with mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, or another asbestos illness after using talcum powder regularly, do not hesitate to contact the Philadelphia asbestos attorneys at Shein Law. To schedule a confidential consultation, call 877-743-4652 or contact us online. Our offices are in Philadelphia and Pennsauken, New Jersey, where we serve clients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.