Signs You May Have Ovarian Cancer from Talcum Baby Powder

April 8, 2022 | Attorney, Matthew Dolman
Signs You May Have Ovarian Cancer from Talcum Baby Powder

Talcum Baby Powder Linked to Ovarian Cancer in Women

Women who regularly use talcum baby powder may have put themselves at an increased risk for a rare form of cancer. Ovarian cancer can be debilitating and deadly, yet baby powder companies like Johnson and Johnson failed to warn consumers of the link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer. Most baby powders contain the mineral talc, which is used to provide a soft and smooth consistency. However, appears that the talc was tainted with the carcinogen asbestos, as they are mined from adjacent areas. 

Johnson and Johnson Sued for Damages in Baby Powder Lawsuits

Johnson and Johnson is now facing product liability lawsuits alleging that they were aware of the potential contamination of their baby powder and its carcinogenic properties, yet they chose to forgo a warning label. It is their duty to warn customers of harmful effects and accept liability for negligently manufactured products.  With varying degrees of success, women who have developed ovarian cancer for the long-term use of talcum based baby powder have sought damages for chemotherapy costs, surgery expenses, as well as pain and suffering in product liability lawsuits

What is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a rare form of reproductive cancer that occurs when cells with mutated DNA grow at an out-of-control rate and form a tumor. It originates in the ovaries, which are responsible for creating hormones like estrogen and producing eggs, but it can spread to other parts of the body. Mayo Clinic notes that while there is no identified cause, increased risk factors include being older or overweight, as well as genetic elements. However, it appears that some hygiene habits may also play a role in increasing the chances of ovarian cancer. 

The Costs of Ovarian Cancer

Products like Shower to Shower have come under fire after Johnson and Johnson encouraged its repeated use by marketing it as an important part of women's daily routine. Thousands of women now suffer the consequences of using a product they believed to be safe.  Ovarian cancer can result in extensive medical bills that wipe out savings, lost wages due to time spend recovering from cancer treatmentm and even a loss of earning potential due to permanent effects of ovarian cancer.  Ovarian cancer caused by the use of talcum products may also result in a loss of fertility or early menopause. In addition to the financial burdens caused by this terrible condition, a personal injury lawyer with experience litigating product liability lawsuits may be able to recover damages for quality of life losses.

Warning Signs of Ovarian Cancer

When ovarian cancer is found early, survival rates are 94%. Unfortunately, only about 20% of all ovarian cancer cases are caught this soon, in many cases because symptoms mirrored other conditions and small tumors are easily missed in pelvic exams. Women who have used baby powder on themselves as a hygiene product may be at a higher risk for ovarian cancer, and should schedule a doctor's appointment to be screened. If you have used talcum baby powder for an extended period of time and developed ovarian cancer, you should seek the counsel of a product liability lawyer The following are possible indicators of a growing ovarian tumor.

Back Pain or Discomfort in the Pelvic Area

Persistent pain in certain areas may be a sign that the tumor is compressing certain nerves or impacting muscles, causing a cramp-like sensation in the pelvic area, lower abdomen, or back. Pain that cannot be attributed to strenuous activity or associated with a menstrual cycle can be a cause for concern, especially if it is frequent.  Oftentimes, women do not develop ovarian cancer until after menopause. Cramping in the pelvic area after estrogen hormone levels have stabilized is typically indicative of other health issues, such as endometriosis or cancer, but it may be misinterpreted as a side effect of menopause.

Bloating of the Stomach 

Many women are familiar with the feeling of stomach bloating, especially before their monthly period. Bloating refers to a condition where the “gastrointestinal (GI) tract is filled with air or gas” and can also be associated with diet or a menstrual cycle. Normal bloating typically resolves on its own or with diet changes. Women can may notice their stomach protrude without a coinciding change on the scale,. 

Unexplained Weight Loss 

Women with ovarian cancer may also notice that they lose weight without effort. Cleveland Clinic, a concerning amount of weight loss -again, unintentionally- is 5% of your body weight over 6 months to a year. The average American woman weighs around 170 pounds, so that would be a loss of 8.5 or more pounds over the course of half a year or more, making it easy to miss. 

Atypical Menstrual Cycle

An abnormal menstrual cycle can indicate an issue with overall health, as it is one of the body's rhythms. According to OCRA, research indicates that women who have more cycles in their lifetime, uninterrupted by childbirth or delayed by late menstruation, may be at a greater risk of developing ovarian cancer. 

Unusual Bleeding and Discharge

A missed period, irregular discharge color or volume, or unusually heavy bleeding can also be red flags for ovarian cancer. Women approaching menopause may mistake changes in menstruation for perimenopause, the time before menopause when estrogen levels tend to fluctuate. 

Gastrointestinal Issues or Discomfort

In addition to other symptoms, women may experience unexplained queasiness, gas, or throwing up without cause. Bouts of nausea are common in menopause, and women may excuse these symptoms by attributing them to a loss of appetite or a change in diet, not knowing it can be a sign of more advanced ovarian cancer. Symptoms may seem unrelated, embarrassing, insignificant, or easily attributable to diet.

Changes in Appetite

An early sign of ovarian cancer may be a loss of appetite. A study of ovarian cancer in Omani women found that 22% identified a lack of desire to consume their average intake of food because they would feel full after only a small amount. This symptom may fuel the rapid weight loss associated with ovarian cancer.

Bladder and Bowel Issues 

Ovarian cancer can influence the bathroom habits of women, even in the early stages. Women may describe it as a frequent and urgent need to use the restroom and attribute it to having had children, but the true cause of bladder issues may be an ovarian tumor pressing on the bladder, sending a false signal to your brain. They may also have difficulty having regular bowel movements, either experiencing constipation or diarrhea.

Manufacturers May Be Liable for Talcum Baby Powder Cancer

When you purchase a product, particularly one that you consume or apply to sensitive areas, you should be able to be confident that it does not contain carcinogens. Unfortunately, the Johnson and Johnson baby powder lawsuits prove companies can get away with negligence for years until they are found liable in court for selling dangerous products.  By placing their profits over the health of their consumers, companies like Johnson and Johnson have been negligent in their duty of care to operate ethically and within reason to protect women from developing ovarian cancer. Perhaps the most egregious offense is that Johnson and Johnson's own records indicate that they were aware of the dangers of the baby powder, but failed to warn customers or immediately yank their products from the shelves. This gross negligence has already cost them millions in damages, thus far.

How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help Me in a Baby Powder Lawsuit?

If you have developed ovarian cancer after years of using talcum baby powder, we advise you to seek a qualified personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to link the product manufacturer's failure to warn to your cancer, resulting in your economic and emotional losses.   Dolman Law Group will enlist our resources to test the baby powder for carcinogens, have you evaluated by a knowledgeable doctor, and coordinate contact with your medical providers seeking payment. We will staunchly defend your right to be warned of contaminated products throughout a personal injury lawsuit, including at trial.  Individual lawsuits have already demonstrated judges and juries' willingness to award substantial damages for Johnson and John's negligence to compensate victims for their suffering, as well as medical expenses and lost wages. 

Contact Dolman Law Group for Help With Your Talcum Baby Powder Cancer Claim

Getting an ovarian cancer diagnosis can feel like the end of the world. Knowing that a common product intended for infants caused your cancer can be infuriating. A doctor may help you heal, but you need a qualified personal injury attorney to hold a negligent manufacturer accountable in a lawsuit and reclaim compensation for damages you have suffered. Our clients are our top priority, and we don't take their trust for granted. Dolman Law Group's legal services begin with a free, no-commitment consultation to assess your product liability claim. We will then advocate to recover the cost of your damages, like transport to your cancer center, chemo infusion or radiation session, medication, home health aide, and lost earnings. Dolman Law Group delivers results. Our firm does not back down when it comes to holding companies like Johnson and Johnson liable for their negligent practices and defective products. If you're looking for a skilled and compassionate talc baby powder lawyer, we are here to help. Contact our offices at (727) 451-6900. You can also send us an email on our contact us page.

 

Matthew Dolman

Personal Injury Lawyer

This article was written and reviewed by Matthew Dolman. Matt has been a practicing civil trial, personal injury, products liability, and mass tort lawyer since 2004. He has successfully fought for more than 11,000 injured clients and acted as lead counsel in more than 1,000 lawsuits. Always on the cutting edge of personal injury law, Matt is actively engaged in complex legal matters, including Suboxone, AFFF, and Ozempic lawsuits.  Matt is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum for resolving individual cases in excess of $1 million and $2 million, respectively. He has also been selected by his colleagues as a Florida Superlawyer and as a member of Florida’s Legal Elite on multiple occasions. Further, Matt has been quoted in the media numerous times and is a sought-after speaker on a variety of legal issues and topics.

Learn More