Another jury has concluded that talcum powder does, indeed, cause ovarian cancer. This multimillion-dollar verdict is the third of its kind for Johnson & Johnson this year. Deborah Giannecchini of Modesto, California, was awarded more than $70 million last week, as a result of her 2012 ovarian cancer diagnosis. According to Giannecchini, she had been using Johnson’s Baby Powder for more than four decades.
Many women have used talc-based products, such as Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower, for personal hygiene for decades. Talcum powder contains particles of talc, a mineral that can cause health complications when used in the genital area. Talc particles can travel through the fallopian tubes and become embedded in the ovaries. When this happens, the talc particles can cause inflammation, which can result in the development of cancerous cells. All cancer can be deadly, but ovarian cancer has an especially high mortality rate. If you have developed cancer after using talcum powder or baby powder, contact a Boston personal injury lawyer today.
What is Ovarian Cancer?
One of the most aggressive forms of cancer, ovarian cancer causes about 14,000 deaths every year. Symptoms are hard to detect, and often don’t appear until the disease has advanced beyond successful treatment. As with most cancers, once ovarian cancer has spread to other organs and tissues, it is extremely difficult to treat.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
As previously mentioned, symptoms are not often immediately apparent. Furthermore, the following symptoms can be related to other, non-life threatening medical conditions. However, if you develop any of the below symptoms, it may be wise to contact your health care provider. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
- Abdominal bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Feeling full even though you haven’t eaten much
- Back pain
- Pelvic pain
- Constipation
- Chronic indigestion
- Menstrual problems
- Pain during intercourse
- Fatigue
Despite compelling evidence that long-term use of talcum powder causes ovarian cancer, J&J continues to claim that its product is safe and is currently appealing all three rulings. But the manufacturing giant is estimated to face another 2,000 lawsuits from customers who developed ovarian cancer after using its products.
Did J&J Know About the Risk of Ovarian Cancer?
Several studies conducted over the last three decades have found that women who use talcum powder on the genitals have up to a 40 percent greater risk of developing cancer than those who do not. Even more shocking is the fact that the link to ovarian cancer was documented as early as 1982. And in the 1970s, medical researchers discovered talc particles in the ovarian tissues of multiple ovarian cancer patients. According to experts, as many as 10,000 women per year may develop ovarian cancer as a result of using talcum powder.
Altman & Altman, LLP – Boston’s Premier Personal Injury Law Firm
If you have developed cancer after using talc-based products for personal hygiene, the skilled injury attorneys at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. We have been protecting the rights of accident and injury victims for more than 50 years. If Johnson & Johnson knew about the risk of ovarian cancer but failed to warn consumers, the company should be held accountable for its actions. If you’ve been harmed due to any type of consumer product, you may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost wages. Our knowledgeable attorneys have an impressive track record of obtaining compensation for clients. Don’t go through this difficult time alone. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.