The Bottom Line Is That We Don’t Know For Sure
As the New York Times reported last year, there will never be a study in which scientists deliberately expose people to talcum powder to see if they develop cancer or not. An experiment like that wouldn’t be ethical, first of all. But it also wouldn’t be practical, since cancer takes years to develop and can be influenced by tons of different factors, like your genes and other things you’re exposed to in your environment.
When it comes to ovarian cancer in particular, the ACS states that if there is an increased risk, it’s likely very small.
But the organization also says that if you’re worried, you can just stop using talcum powder products. Some doctors have suggested trying cornstarch-based products instead, or just skipping powders altogether. Remember that you don’t really need to freshen up your genitals at all and gynecologists say they can be irritated by many so-called “feminine hygiene” products.
Finally, women should know about other important risk factors for ovarian cancer, including age family history certain genetic mutations a history of breast, uterine, or colon cancer having endometriosis not having children and having an Eastern European or Ashkenazi Jewish background, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . Read more about ovarian cancer over at the CDC’s website.
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This post has been updated.
How Long Does It Take To Settle A Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawsuit
The length of time it takes to resolve a talc powder compensation claim depends on contributing factors, including the amount of evidence and the extent of the plaintiff’s damages. However, many claims are resolved within a few months.
Cases involving talc product use and the development of terminal cancers take much longer. As a result, many plaintiffs waited years to have their cases heard in court. However, waiting has been beneficial to many women who have ovarian cancer.
In one case, Missouri court jurors ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $2.1 billion in damages to twenty-two women diagnosed with ovarian cancer who had used talc powder as a feminine hygiene product.
The number of cases is growing against J & J that have been forced to pay more than $10 billion to resolve many cancer lawsuits. However, the government has yet to formally file class-action lawsuits against talc powder products manufacturers through multidistrict litigation.
Should You Reduce Your Exposure To Talc
According to the American Cancer Society , people who are concerned about developing cancer from talc should limit their exposure to it.
Unless you mine talc for a living, you can limit your exposure to talc by avoiding talc-containing cosmetic products. Baby powder, face powder, and other products that contain talcum powder can be substituted for safer products, such as pure corn starch.
If you do choose to continue using talc-containing cosmetics, make sure to do your research on the manufacturer to determine whether they have performed asbestos testing.
While its not always possible to know whether a product contains asbestos, doing your due diligence can help decrease your risk for exposure.
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Consumer Reaction To Lawsuit
Meanwhile, consumers are left wondering what to do and who to believe.
Joy Stephenson-Laws is an author and founding partner of Stephenson Acquisto & Colman, a healthcare law firm, as well as founder of Proactive Health Labs, a national health nonprofit.
She said that from a consumers perspective these verdicts will go a long way to deter similar future conduct by manufacturers of consumer products.
However, they do not solve the dire issues these plaintiffs had to deal with, she said. So, it is really important that as consumers we take a more proactive approach when we purchase products. We cannot assume we will get a warning if a product is unsafe for our use.
For example, she said consumers need to learn about the ingredients identified on the labels and not assume theyre safe.
This includes cosmetic items, as well as cleaning and other products used in the home, Stephenson-Laws told Healthline. If we are not sure about how a particular ingredient may affect our health, we should seek advice from our doctors or a competent healthcare professional.
Stephenson-Laws also recommends that consumers get an annual toxin test to identify unhealthy levels of toxins such as benzoic acid, arsenic, cadmium, lead, or mercury in their body.
These toxins may come from various foods, consumer products, household supplies, etc., she said.
So, what can you do if you dont feel comfortable using a talc-based powder on yourself or your baby?
What Is Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is a kind of cancer that is located in the ovaries. The ovaries are a part of the female reproductive system. There are two, one on each side of the uterus. Theyre about the size of an almond and are the part of the reproductive system that produces the eggs, or ova. The ovaries are also responsible for producing hormones, including estrogen and progesterone.
Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries but can spread to nearby parts of the body. Typically, ovarian cancer is very difficult to detect until it has spread, usually to the abdomen and the pelvis. However, its much easier to treat in its early stages when its located only in the ovaries than it is in the later stages after its spread.
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Am I At Risk For Developing Ovarian Cancer From Talcum Powder As Some Lawsuits Have Claimed
Numerous scientific research studies some of which weve already discussed have clearly found that women who frequently use baby powder products for feminine hygiene purposes and specifically Johnson & Johnson talc-based powder products are at a increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
These studies show that women using baby products have a higher rate of developing ovarian cancer than a person who does not use talc products. I believe Ive read somewhere that it is believed that 10 of all ovarian cancer is talc related.
What Are The Risk Factors Associated With Ovarian Cancer
There are some factors that can increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer. These risk factors include:
- Age
- Early menstruation
- Late menopause
Any woman of any age can develop ovarian cancer, but its most common in older women, typically between the ages of 50 and 60. The genes that can cause ovarian cancer are BRCA 1 and BRCA 2, which also increase the risk of developing breast cancer. If someone has a family history of ovarian cancer, which typically means two or more relatives, generally close relatives, who have had ovarian cancer, theres also an increased risk.
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Studies Have Focused On Lung Cancer And Ovarian Cancer
There are two main concerns when it comes to talcum powder and cancer risk, according to the ACS. The first is whether people who are exposed to talc at work could get lung cancer by breathing it in. The second is whether women who put talcum powder on their genital area could be at higher risk for ovarian cancer.
Let’s start with lung cancer: Though there is some evidence that people who mine or work with natural talc can be at an increased risk for lung cancer, the ACS explains that there has been no reported link between lung cancer and cosmetic products that contain talcum powder.
Ovarian cancer is a bit different.
Symptoms Of Ovarian Cancer
People in early stages of ovarian cancer may not experience any symptoms. For more advanced cases, the symptoms can be mistaken for other common conditions.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer include:
- Abdominal bloating or swelling
- Quickly feeling full while eating
- Weight loss
- Discomfort in the pelvis area
- Changes in bowel movements
- Frequent urination
Having regular check ups with your doctor can ensure ovarian cancer doesnt go undiagnosed. Along with knowing the symptoms, you should know whether youre at risk of developing this disease.
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Risk Factors For Ovarian Cancer
Aside from talcum powder, there are other factors that put people with ovaries at risk of developing cancer.
The risk increases with age since ovarian cancer is more common in those over the age of 40, with half of all cases occurring in people aged 63 years or older. Women who are overweight and have a body mass index over 30 also pose a higher risk. Being overweight can potentially impact overall survival with ovarian cancer.
This disease can run in families, so youre at increased risk if another person in your family has ever had ovarian cancer. In fact, up to 25 percent of ovarian cancers result from inheriting mutations in certain genes.
Some other risk factors that increase your risk for ovarian cancer include:
- Having children later or never having a full-term pregnancy
- Taking hormone therapy after menopause
- Using fertility treatments
- Having had breast cancer
- Smoking
If you fall under any of the risk factors and are experiencing symptoms of ovarian cancer, see your doctor for a check up. Testing for this disease includes a pelvic exam, imaging tests, blood tests, and potentially surgery.
How Does Cancer Research Uk Evaluate Evidence
We regularly review new research on the causes of cancer to make sure our information is up to date and based on the best quality evidence. We develop our information by looking at lots of research carried out over many years. So, although new research comes out all the time, it is unlikely that one new study would change our position on a topic.
Some studies are better than others at telling us about how different factors affect cancer risk. These are some of the things we consider:
- Did the study look at cells, animals or people?
Studies in animals and cells can help scientists understand how cancer works, but they cant always tell us how its relevant to humans. So we focus on studies in people.
- How big is the study and how long did it go on for?
Studies on small numbers of people arent as reliable, because results are more likely to happen by chance. And studies that only follow people for a short amount of time can miss long-term effects. So we mainly look at studies that follow thousands of people over many years.
- Did the study account for other factors that could affect someones cancer risk?
There are lots of factors that can affect someones risk of cancer. Studies should take known risk factors into account. For example, if a study is looking at air pollution and lung cancer, it should also look at whether participants smoked.
- Where is the study published and who funded it?
How to find accurate information on cancer
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When Was It Common Knowledge That Talcum Powder Cause Ovarian Cancer In Women
For years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , U.S. Department of Health and Human Services , World Health Association Agency, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer have deemed asbestos a cancer-causing agent.
These organizations state that asbestos exposure could lead to numerous cancers, including lung, larynx , and mesothelioma.
Many product manufacturers have claimed that their talc products do not contain asbestos. However, in recent years, the FDA has found asbestos in many cosmetic and hygiene products, including Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder, eye shadow, blush, etc.
Work With Our Talcum Powder Lawyers In Philadelphia
At Golomb Spirt Grunfeld, P.C., our Philadelphia talcum powder injury attorneys have experience defending those who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer after frequent use of talc-based Johnson & Johnson brand baby powders. We are a resource for people seeking answers and peace of mind and we welcome clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, as well as nationwide.
If you have any questions or have been affected by ovarian cancer as a result of talcum powder use, pleasecontact Golomb Spirt Grunfeld, P.C. online or at 278-4449 for your free consultation.
Over $2 Billion Won in Verdicts and Settlements
- $410,000,000Bank of America Class Action
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- More Than $65,000,000On Behalf of Attorneys General
- $62,500,000TD Bank Class Action
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Does Where You Put Talcum Powder Increase The Risk For Developing Ovarian Cancer
Scientists have yet to agree if there is a direct correlation between developing cancer and talc product use. However, substantial research results show the inhalation of talc dust, mainly talc-containing asbestos, could cause lung cancer, larynx cancer, and mesothelioma when inhaled.
Scientific tests are inconclusive about whether applying talc dust to female genitals and anus enter and irritate the female reproductive system.
However, many women who developed ovarian cancer after using talc products have filed a talcum powder lawsuit against J & J and other hygiene product manufacturers seeking compensation for their damages. Other talcum powder lawsuits have involved cervical cancer and endometrial cancer.
Many million dollar cases have been resolved through negotiated settlements involving women with an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer, and others were decided in courts with massive jury verdicts.
Baby Powder Whats The Danger
For many decades, people have been using baby powder for keeping skin dry and irritations down. Not only used for diaper rashes, it can be used for adults as well. One of the ingredients of talcum powder is talc. Talc is a mineral that is mined from the earth and usually is found around asbestos in the same mineral formations. As such, asbestos is often found in talc. Asbestos is a known carcinogen and has caused many health problems in people for a long time.
Talc is made up of magnesium, oxygen, hydrogen and silicon. It absorbs excess moisture and is a common ingredient in many products, including makeup and baby powder.
The problem with this, and why there has been so much in the news, is that people who have used baby powder on their bodies have had the chance of asbestos getting into them via the baby powder. Baby powder is often used in the genital area and as such, can enter the blood stream through entering the body in those areas. When used on baby to keep him or her dry or an adult for hygienic purposes, this can be quite dangerous.
Additionally, talc can be breathed in via the lungs. In the 1960s it was reported to keep talc away from babies as their lungs are delicate and susceptible to choking if breathing the talc in.
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What Is The Link Between Talcum Powder And Ovarian Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, there is no direct link to ovarian cancer using asbestos-free talc hygiene products. However, scientists generally accept that using talc with asbestos can cause cancer if inhaled.
However, there is less evidence to show that asbestos-free talc inhaled into the lungs causes cancer. Laboratory studies have been done on animals to see if talc exposure has caused health problems and tumor development.
Other studies have been conducted on humans to identify a potential risk of developing ovarian cancer using talc products among various people. However, there is insufficient evidence to identify problems with using asbestos-free talcum powder products due to mixed results.
Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawsuits :: Why Didn’t Johnson & Johnson Warn About Cancer Risks?
Jonathan Rosenfeld of Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers shares the talcum powder lawsuit FAQ’s to answer the most-often asked questions about the talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuits.
What Is The Going Rate For Personal Injury Lawyers For A Talcum Powder Cancer Case
An attorney representing a talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuit victim will likely take one-third of a negotiated settlement amount. The plaintiff receives the remainder, less any case expenses. However, if the case must be presented before a judge and jury at trial, the lawyer usually takes 40%.
Through negotiated settlements and jury verdicts, Johnson & Johnson and other talc powder product manufacturers have resolved many million-dollar talcum powder ovarian cancer cases.
Contact our law firm today for a free consultation and free no-obligation case review to see if you are eligible to file a lawsuit. Tell us what happened when using talcum powder. We will discuss how to file a talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuit on your behalf during your free consultation.
We accept all defective product liability cases and talcum powder lawsuits through a contingency fee agreement to avoid paying fees until your legal matter is resolved through a negotiated settlement or the jury awarded your compensation.
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If Talcum Powder Can Cause Cancer Why Do People Still Use It
Johnson & Johnson continued to sell talc products, including baby powder, until early 2020, when they announced they would stop production in response to manufacturing restriction concerns involving Covid-19.
In 1998, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of J & J, quietly changed the instructions on their diaphragm labels that recommended using talcum powder with their product.
A year earlier, J & J internal company memos revealed that the company disagreed with its toxicologists that talcum powder use is a potential cancer risk. However, by 2006, the talc mineral mining company supplying J & J factories with the silicate started stamping a talc cancer warning label on its products.
Learn More About Ovarian Cancer Risks Online
Ovarian cancer is a serious condition that impacts thousands of Americans each year. To get an early diagnosis and increase the chances of remission, its important to recognize the symptoms and understand the risk factors.
Talk to your doctor if youre experiencing symptoms. While its possible theyre not related to ovarian cancer, its safest for you to get checked out and tested. You can learn more about this disease by searching online.
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