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New Jersey Talcum Powder Attorneys

Representing Those With Ovarian Cancer Due To Talcum Powder Use

Despite over 40 years of evidence that talcum powder increases a woman’s chance of developing ovarian cancer, manufacturers continue to deny any such link and deliberately do not warn of potential risks on their product labels. Nonetheless, ovarian cancer survivors and the families of those who succumbed to the disease have recently won multi-million verdicts against healthcare company Johnson & Johnson, the leading manufacturer of cosmetic talc products in the U.S. The skilled New Jersey product liability attorneys at Lomurro Law fight to protect victims with the deadly condition after trusting manufacturers like Johnson & Johnson.

How Does Talc Cause Ovarian Cancer?

Talcum powder absorbs moisture and its smooth consistency helps reduce friction, making it ideal for keeping skin dry and preventing rashes. Many women use it on their inner thighs to reduce chafing, or sprinkle it on sanitary pads or underwear to control moisture and odor. In 1971, however, researchers found talc particles embedded in ovarian and cervical tumors. Since then, numerous studies suggest that frequent talcum powder use in the genital area increases a woman’s risk of ovarian cancer.

It is not clear exactly why talc might lead to cancer, but studies show that talc particles can move through the reproductive tract to the ovaries. Additionally, such talc particles can cause inflammation, thus, long-term use of talcum powder can lead to chronic inflammation, which many believe plays a significant role in the development of cancer.

What Evidence Is There That Talcum Powder Causes Ovarian Cancer?

Like many areas of scientific research, there are conflicting studies regarding talc-based powders and ovarian cancer. Most published medical studies, however, point to a connection between talc and ovarian cancer, including:

  • A 2015 analysis of all epidemiologic studies regarding talc use and ovarian cancer published in the International Journal of Gynecological Cancer found talc exposure increased a woman’s risk of ovarian cancer by 30–60% in almost all studies;
  • A December 2015 paper published in the journal Epidemiology, reported that routine use of talcum powder in the genital area increases a woman’s risk of ovarian cancer by 33%;
  • A recent study reported in Cancer Epidemiology found that African-American women (who manufacturers target for use of body powders and use it more regularly) who use genital powder have a 40% increased risk of ovarian cancer; and
  • A recent statement by cancer genetics expert Dr. Steven Narod of Women’s College Research Institute in Toronto in Gynecologic Oncology that “[i]n the interests of public health, I believe we should caution women against using genital talcum powder.”

Respected New Jersey Product Liability Attorneys Get Results When Talcum Powder Contributes To Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer causes more deaths than any other type of gynecological cancer, killing more than 14,000 women each year in the U.S. Many of these deaths are because ovarian cancer generally has no symptoms in its early stages, with doctors only discovering it at a point when they cannot do much for a patient. This makes prevention crucial for this lethal form of cancer. Yet, it is difficult to minimize one’s risk of ovarian cancer when company’s hide potential links between their products and the disease, taking away consumers’ ability to choose for themselves whether the benefits of using the product outweigh the potential risk.

Contact Us If You Or Someone You Love Believes Talc Contributed To Ovarian Cancer

If you believe talcum powder contributed to your ovarian cancer or that of a loved one, the New Jersey talcum powder attorneys at Lomurro Law have the experience and dedication required to get you the compensation and restitution you deserve for your injuries. Contact our New Jersey office at 732-482-9285 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and case review.