Women who are younger than what is statistically considered at-risk are being diagnosed with ovarian cancer in higher and higher numbers. Careful analysis of possible causes is leading many to reach a terrifying conclusion: the powder they’ve been using for years to ease feminine wetness (can we just say for feminine hygiene?) may be the cause.
As far back as 1971, scientists studying ovarian and cervical tumors found particles of talc embedded in the cancerous tissue, and there have been many studies that have drawn a link between the use of talc on female genitals to ovarian cancer. The most recent found that in African American women genital talc use increased the risk for invasive epithelial ovarian cancer by 44 percent.
The result has been a wave of lawsuits filed against Johnson & Johnson, the company whose powder most women have used for years. Though the company insists that their product is safe, two trials have resulted in $55 million and $72 million jury awards respectively, both of which are likely to be appealed. Johnson & Johnson claims that the studies have research flaws and that there have been other studies with contradicting conclusions, but the International Agency for Research on Cancer has included talcum powder (when used in the female genital area) on their list of possible human carcinogens.
It is thought that when women use it to prevent chafing between the thighs or who sprinkle it into their underwear to prevent wetness and odor may be unwittingly introducing talc crystals into their genitourinary tract and into the peritoneal cavity where their ovaries are located. This would explain the presence of the talc particles within the tumor, a finding that is common in women with ovarian cancer.
One of the biggest questions being asked of Johnson & Johnson in these lawsuits is why it has chosen not to include cancer as a warning on its powder products when its talc supplier added the same warning labels on its talc packages back in 2006. Other manufacturers who had previously used talc, including those who make surgical gloves and condoms, have discontinued its use.
For more information, please contact The Potts Law Firm at (888) 420-1299.
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