For 2016, it is estimated by the American Cancer Society that nearly 23,000 women will receive a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer, and more than 14,000 will die from the disease.  Additional statistics on ovarian cancer include:

• Ovarian cancer primarily develops in older women; nearly half of all women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are 63 and  older.
• More white women will get ovarian cancer than African-American women.
• One theory regarding the cause of ovarian cancer is that genetic errors happen as a result of the “wear and tear” on the  ovaries because of the monthly egg release.
•  Another theory regarding the cause of ovarian cancer is that the increased hormone levels associated with monthly  ovulation could potentially stimulate the growth of abnormal cancer cells.
• Ovarian cancer accounts for a higher number of fatalities among women than all other reproductive system cancers.
• A woman’s overall chances of getting ovarian cancer during her lifetime are approximately one in seventy-five
• The more children a woman has had, the less likely she is to develop ovarian cancer.
• If two or more first-degree relatives (sister, daughter, and mother) have had ovarian cancer, a woman is more likely to  also be diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
• Women who have had breast or colon cancer could be at a greater risk of developing ovarian cancer.
•  The number of women who survive a diagnosis of ovarian cancer for five years is 42 percent.
• Women aged 20-34 represent only about 3.8 percent of the total number of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer while those 35-44 represent about 6.9 percent.

Scientific Study Data Points to a Link between Talcum Powder (Talc is Found in Baby Powder with talc and/or “Shower to Shower”) and Ovarian Cancer

Women across the nation are likely feeling some anxiety as they watch the Johnson & Johnson talcum powder ovarian cancer issue unfold. Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Studies as far back as the 1970s pointed to evidence that talcum powder, when used in the genital region, could increase a woman’s chance of developing ovarian cancer. Some baby powders contain talc, and Johnson & Johnson’s Shower to Shower product contains talc and cornstarch. Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Studies done since that time have had mixed results. Some of the Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Studies concluded that women who use talcum powder for feminine hygiene, on a regular basis, could have up to a 30-40 percent increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Johnson & Johnson, the manufacturer of baby powder with talc and Shower to Shower with talc, continues to maintain talcum powder is safe, despite the body of research which says otherwise and the past three talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuits which ended in favor of the plaintiffs. In the first few months of 2016, J & J was hit with a $72 million wrongful death verdict in a talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuit and a $55 million verdict to a woman who used J & J talcum powder regularly for feminine hygiene and then developed talcum powder ovarian cancer. In both of these talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuits, a significant portion of the awards granted were for punitive damages. 

Seeking Legal Help if You Were Harmed by Talcum Powder Related Ovarian Cancer

If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer you are likely anxious about your treatment and your future. If you believe your ovarian cancer was caused by your use of talcum powder (talc is contained in baby powder with talc and/or “Shower to Shower”) for feminine hygiene, you could benefit from speaking with an experienced talcum powder ovarian cancer attorney. It could be in your best interests for your talcum powder ovarian cancer attorney to investigate and evaluate your potential talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuit. While the potential for monetary compensation cannot change your diagnosis, it may be able to lessen the financial burden of your medical expenses and lost wages; and the possibility of remuneration for pain and suffering could helpful as well.