Ovarian Cancer Death Caused by Johnson’s Baby Powder, Shower-to-Shower: Lawsuit

Nearly two dozen studies released in recent decades should have been more than enough evidence for Johnson & Johnson to warn that the side effects of talcum powder used for feminine hygiene could result in ovarian cancer, according to a allegations raised in a recently filed wrongful death lawsuit. 

In a complaint (PDF) filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana on August 1, Kenneth Batiste indicates that his wife, Deiadria, developed ovarian cancer after years of applying Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower-to-Shower around her genitals, like many other women nationwide.

Batiste died of ovarian cancer in August 2015, and her husband’s case joins a growing number of Johnson’s Baby Powder lawsuits and Shower-to-Shower lawsuits filed against the manufacturer, alleging that it knew or should have known about the link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer, yet failed to provide adequate warnings for women using the popular products.

While talcum powder is most commonly associated with use as a baby powder, to help prevent diaper rash and maintain smooth skin, Johnson & Johnson has promoted their products for decades as a general body powder among adult women, who were encouraged to use talcum powder after every shower and place it in their underwear to maintain “personal freshness”.

According to allegations raised in this latest lawsuit, Batiste, born in 1963, used Johnson & Johnson talc-based products for nearly her entire life, which ultimately caused her ovarian cancer diagnosis in 2011 and wrongful death four years later.

The lawsuit indicates that Batiste would not have used the products or would have sought an alternative, such as a cornstarch-based product, had she been fully aware of the ovarian cancer risks. The lawsuit, and others like it, claim Johnson & Johnson placed their desire for profits ahead of patient safety and concealed the known risks from the public.

The lawsuit notes that the first study to show an association between ovarian cancer and talcum powder was conducted in 1971. That was followed by the first epidemiologic study in 1982, which found a 92% increased risk of ovarian cancer in women who reported genital talc use. The lead researcher of that study specifically advised Johnson & Johnson that they should put a warning label on their products.

“Since 1982, there have been approximately twenty-two (22) additional epidemiologic studies providing data regarding the association of talc and ovarian cancer,’ the lawsuit notes. “Nearly all of these studies have reported an elevated risk for ovarian cancer associated with genital talc use in women.”

So far this year, at least two similar cases brought on behalf of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer following daily use of talcum powder have gone before juries nationwide, each resulting in multi-million dollar damage awards as a result of Johnson & Johnson’s failure to provide appropriate warnings for women.

Evidence presented at recent trials included company documents that suggested Johnson & Johnson was aware of the potential link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer since the 1970s. However, even as recently as 1992, some documents indicate that the company specifically targeted sales towards women who were high users of talcum powder, without ever warning them of the possible cancer risks.

If additional juries respond with similar verdicts after considering the evidence, Johnson & Johnson could face substantial liability if talcum powder ovarian cancer settlements are not reached to resolve individual claims brought by women and families throughout the U.S.