Across America, women are taking the fight to Johnson & Johnson. The massive company behind many of the nation’s favorite products has come under fire amongst claims that their product, talcum powder, can cause ovarian cancer. If you do want to take part in a class-action lawsuit of this kind, make sure you find a lawyer who has experience in successfully winning a class action lawsuit. Find details about Johnson & Johnson ovarian cancer risks below.
About the lawsuit regarding Johnson & Johnson ovarian cancer risks
The claims come after the resurfacing of a study from 1982. As a result of this study, a group of researchers took their findings to Johnson & Johnson. They told them that the results of their research clearly suggested a link between talcum powder and a higher risk of developing cancer.
Twelve years later, in 1994, the Cancer Prevention Coalition also appealed to the company to ask them to recall the products and stop making talcum powder with its current ingredients.
The group spearheading the lawsuit versus the company claimed that the company knowingly ignored the research and never told the public about it. They didn’t put warning labels on their products, and they even advertised that people use the potentially cancerous products on high-risk parts of their bodies.
Johnson & Johnson, ovarian cancer, and Gloria Ristesund
In 2011, Gloria Ristesund, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer actually stood up to the company on her own. She put a case against the company claiming that it was no coincidence that she had been using the product for 40 years and now has developed ovarian cancer.
After undergoing a hysterectomy, Ristesund is now in remission. Her best argument in court came from the presence of talc in her ovaries.
After a long legal battle, the court sided with Gloria Ristesund, awarding her $5 million in compensatory damages and $50 million in punitive. Her legal team had put forth that her using the J&J talc-based products for decades for feminine hygiene caused her ovarian cancer.
The verdict was then appealed and overturned in Missouri in 2018. Why? The court claimed that it cannot hear claims from companies not based in the state where the alleged injuries happened or when these injuries did not happen there.
Does talcum powder cause cancer?
The science behind these claims is that when talcum powder is applied near sensitive areas like the genitals, some talcum powder particles containing asbestos traces can travel into the body and lodge in the ovaries.
As there is no process in the human body that produces talc, the body has never had to adapt to remove it. Talc deposits end up inflaming the body and inflammation has a link with developing cancer, according to a recent research review.
A growing body of research focuses on exploring the link between regular talcum powder application in the female genitals and risks of developing cancer in the ovaries. According to the American Cancer Society, talcum powder might link to ovarian cancer if particles from the powder reach the ovary via:
- Uterus
- Vagina
- Fallopian tubes
The American Cancer Society goes on to explain that research findings are mixed, with some studies showing a correlation between talc and an increase in the risk level of developing cancer in the ovary, while other studies do not show an increase in risk. With that said, several case-control studies do find a slight risk increase.
Hopefully, more research in the coming years will prove more about the connection between talc and ovarian cancer.
Can I participate in the Johnson & Johnson ovarian cancer class action suit?
At the moment, the class action is only taking place in California. That means that you can only take part in it if you live in California.
Furthermore, some groups are pursuing small litigation against the huge company, rather than joining a large lawsuit. The thinking here is that it might send more emotional messages to the juries than if there are large amounts of plaintiffs all in one case.
The women’s names are more likely to be remembered, for example, than if there are hundreds or even thousands of people in the suit. As well, several small verdicts can send a message to women later, encouraging females to also seek legal action for health issues.
Have you heard about the possible presence of asbestos in Johnson & Johnson talc products?
This is a wonderful thing to make us all aware of, thank you Christy!
So glad you find it educational, Diane xx
I have heard of this. Fortunately, I only use talc on very hot summer days when I have to wear a dressy shoe, and my feet get to burning. I put the talc in my shoes. LOL! That’s about twice a year.
I never thought of “shoe use” before!
It feels silky and cool!
Ooooh
My mother told me years ago never to use talcum powder. She was right, and I haven’t for years. Also I once read that some breast cancers often contain the parabens used in underarm deodorants. I think just soap and water are best!
It all just goes to show that natural is better in so many cases! Your mom was spot on.
She did talk a lot of sense, but I only realised this as I got older.
Wishing you a nice holiday season, Stevie
You too, Christy.
Thank you, Stevie. All the best for 2020!