Lawsuit Alleges Woman Died of Endometrial Cancer from Talcum Powder
While Johnson & Johnson faces thousands of lawsuits alleging that side effects of talcum powder caused ovarian cancer, one of the latest cases indicates that use of the company’s popular Baby Powder products resulted in a South Dakota woman’s death from endometrial uterine cancer.
In a complaint (PDF) filed late last week in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakata, Carol Shoup indicates that her mother, Theresa Cunningham, developed endometrial cancer as a direct result talc contained in Johnson’s Baby Powder used for over a decade of her life.
Like millions of other women nationwide, Cunningham used Johnson’s Baby Powder for feminine hygiene, applying the talc-based powder around her genitals on a daily basis.
Learn More About
Talcum powder or talc powder may cause women to develop ovarian cancer.
Learn More About this Lawsuit See If You Qualify For CompensationAlthough there were no talcum powder warnings about the risk of cancer, Cunningham was ultimately diagnosed with endometrial uterine cancer, which her daughter claims was caused by the talcum powder. She died as a result of the disease on September 26, 2013.
“Ms. Cunningham began the practice of applying Defendants’ Product to her perineal area as an adult,” the lawsuit states. “She applied the Product to her perineal area on a daily basis for over a decade, exactly as instructed and advertised by Johnson & Johnson Defendants. There was never any indication, on the Product’s packaging or otherwise, that this normal use could and would cause Ms. Cunningham to develop endometrial uterine cancer.”
Although talcum powder is most commonly associated with use among infants to prevent diaper rash and maintain smooth skin, the products are widely used among adult women and Johnson & Johnson has promoted such use to maintain “personal freshness”. Given the popularity of Johnson’s Baby Powder among adult women, the company introduced and marketed Shower-to-Shower body powder for this specific purpose.
The case filed by Shoup joins more than 2,000 similar Johnson’s Baby Powder lawsuits and Shower-to-Shower lawsuits pending nationwide, each involving allegations that the manufacturer knew or should have known about the cancer risk, yet withheld information from consumers. However, nearly all of the other claims involve women diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
So far this year, at least two talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuits have gone to trial against Johnson & Johnson, each resulting in multi-million dollar damage awards after the jury, including punitive damages designed to punish the manufacturer for withholding information from consumers.
Shoup’s complaint presents claims for failure to warn, design and manufacturing defect, negligence, breach of warranty, negligent misrepresentation, fraudulent concealment, intentional misrepresentation, violation of South Dakota consumer protection laws, and wrongful death.
15 Comments
"*" indicates required fields
John EFebruary 11, 2023 at 1:18 am
Wife passed away from ENDOMETRIAL CANCER IN 2015. She used j&j products. It's not being considered a j& j problem. It should be since all other cancers IN the same area are included. Is there a away to get all of us together to file a class action lawsuit. For it to be considered as a part of the lawsuits
Dr michaelAugust 22, 2022 at 1:38 pm
I am an orthopedic surgeon whose wife contracted endometrial cancer requiring hysterectomy wvsalpingo IPhone Tony which I am surecststisticslly was voided by chronic talc powder use. Looking for an intelligent lawyer to represent us
LafayetteNovember 22, 2021 at 6:12 pm
Wife from endometrial carcinoma died used talc power
JesseOctober 22, 2021 at 12:23 am
I lost my Mother to endometrial cancer in 2017. Like many of you women have posted, my mother also had a complete hysterectomy consisting of a bilateral sal-pingo oorpherectomy. I cannot understand why a competent lawyer or law firm refuse to take on these kind of cases... can anyone out there refer a lawyer or law firm that litigate these kind of cases... Johnson & Johnson must be held accountabl[Show More]I lost my Mother to endometrial cancer in 2017. Like many of you women have posted, my mother also had a complete hysterectomy consisting of a bilateral sal-pingo oorpherectomy. I cannot understand why a competent lawyer or law firm refuse to take on these kind of cases... can anyone out there refer a lawyer or law firm that litigate these kind of cases... Johnson & Johnson must be held accountable !!!
AnnaMay 30, 2021 at 2:43 am
I'm in the same boat as many of you. Wanted to add a note here in case anyone ever finds anything. I found out I had stage 4 endometrial cancer in 2013 and had a full hysterectomy and removal of ovaries, cervix, etc. Used J&J baby powder from forward. I had cancer when I was 31 so a lot younger than most. Best of luck to all of you and so sorry for those of you that have lost lived ones.
GenelleMay 21, 2021 at 6:49 pm
I was also diagnosed with endometrial cancer and received a full hysterectomy. I was also blessed to have had it caught when it did because I was so close to stage 4 but my entire reproductive was already full of cancer. Where my situation differs, I was around 23yrs old when the fight began (now 47) and lost all reproductive and a large part of my intestines because of the cancer. Treatments and [Show More]I was also diagnosed with endometrial cancer and received a full hysterectomy. I was also blessed to have had it caught when it did because I was so close to stage 4 but my entire reproductive was already full of cancer. Where my situation differs, I was around 23yrs old when the fight began (now 47) and lost all reproductive and a large part of my intestines because of the cancer. Treatments and surgeries have screwed with a huge part of my life, then this lawsuit shows up and I don't qualify for even an interview because of the time frame that my case started. I'm starting to feel the way I did in the beginning when I couldn't find the same support around as those that had breast or ovarian cancer. I was left out as if it wasn't as devastating as the others. WE DESERVE HELP! If this reaches, LAWYERS PLEASE HELP US TOO ESPECIALLY IF GOD PUTS THIS ON YOUR HEARTS!.
MaryannMarch 7, 2021 at 8:49 pm
I am looking for someone that handles cases of endometrial uterine cancer. I also had complete hysterectomy in July 2020. Surgery. Chemo & radiation. I'm 72 & am constantly tired. Do not know who to contact. If anyone knows of an attorney that handles this type of cancer please let me know.
YvonneAugust 8, 2020 at 9:11 pm
In 2016 I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer had a complete hysterectomy having used Johnson & Johnson's baby powder since I was a infant, my mother used it in my diapers, I have always used Johnson & Johnson talcum powder until 2016 when I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer, I have called many lawsuits. All of them say they don't do endometrial, can you please help me find someone that can[Show More]In 2016 I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer had a complete hysterectomy having used Johnson & Johnson's baby powder since I was a infant, my mother used it in my diapers, I have always used Johnson & Johnson talcum powder until 2016 when I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer, I have called many lawsuits. All of them say they don't do endometrial, can you please help me find someone that can help me?
KathyJuly 15, 2020 at 12:33 am
I had uterine cancer in 2012 and had to have a hysterectomy also. I contacted a law firm in 2016 to ask about a claim. I was informed that they were only doing ovarian cancer cases. Four months ago the same firm contacted me and told me that they were now doing uterine cancer cases. I filled out all of the questionnaires, they reviewed my case and I received a denial letter last week, saying t[Show More]I had uterine cancer in 2012 and had to have a hysterectomy also. I contacted a law firm in 2016 to ask about a claim. I was informed that they were only doing ovarian cancer cases. Four months ago the same firm contacted me and told me that they were now doing uterine cancer cases. I filled out all of the questionnaires, they reviewed my case and I received a denial letter last week, saying that my case didn't qualify.
GloriaFebruary 4, 2020 at 1:46 am
Like others on this site, I too was diagnosed with endometrial adeno carcinoma in 2015 and had to have a complete hysterectomy with removal of my ovaries. I used Johnson & Johnson baby powder in my peritoneal area for over 30 years because it was a common practice for staying fresh and dry. I am now 69 years old and the attorneys that I contacted took my info, but said they were only covering Ovar[Show More]Like others on this site, I too was diagnosed with endometrial adeno carcinoma in 2015 and had to have a complete hysterectomy with removal of my ovaries. I used Johnson & Johnson baby powder in my peritoneal area for over 30 years because it was a common practice for staying fresh and dry. I am now 69 years old and the attorneys that I contacted took my info, but said they were only covering Ovarian Cancer at this time. I don't understand why that is, because the powder has to contact the uterine area before it could travel to the ovaries, so I don't understand why people like us are not being compensated. it sounds to me like some kind of plea deal that Johnson made to eliminate other claims.
LoriJanuary 30, 2020 at 8:27 pm
I had endometrial adeno carcinoma they found mine early but was told by doctor it had a 2 year life expectancy. I had a full historectomy and was left scared and put in early menopause. My heart go out to those that passed . i used jj every day for as long as i can remember . my sister also used jj and she passed away at age 32 of stage 4 ovarian cancer and i still cant get an attorney to speak to[Show More]I had endometrial adeno carcinoma they found mine early but was told by doctor it had a 2 year life expectancy. I had a full historectomy and was left scared and put in early menopause. My heart go out to those that passed . i used jj every day for as long as i can remember . my sister also used jj and she passed away at age 32 of stage 4 ovarian cancer and i still cant get an attorney to speak to me .
SemerianJanuary 30, 2020 at 6:56 pm
On August of 2019 I was told that I had endometrial cancer and had to have a total hysterectomy. Like others I have used Johnson & Johnson all my life and as an adult woman was told it kept down wetness and odor I'm 44 yrs old and going through so much since being diagnosed I pray that they look further into the matter and help all women who has found out they have these types of cancers
FrancesJuly 25, 2019 at 9:41 pm
I agree. I had uterine/endometrial cancer just last year 2018. Thank god it was caught early... but a complete hysterectomy was done. I used powder for 50 years. I am 66 years old and cannot get anyone to even consider looking into any compensation due me as a result. Ovarian only like you all have mentioned. What a shame. I pray for those that have died...and you the family..mine was caught ea[Show More]I agree. I had uterine/endometrial cancer just last year 2018. Thank god it was caught early... but a complete hysterectomy was done. I used powder for 50 years. I am 66 years old and cannot get anyone to even consider looking into any compensation due me as a result. Ovarian only like you all have mentioned. What a shame. I pray for those that have died...and you the family..mine was caught early. Bless you all!!
DreamaJuly 10, 2019 at 7:37 pm
My sister ,Carol Esque, used Johnsons & Johnsons baby powder and shower to shower heavy from the time she was born till the day she died. She used these products heavy for 67 years and passed away from endometrial cancer in 2009. I have contacted numerous lawyers and they all say ovarian cancer , why not endometrial cancer. Help please
StephonApril 3, 2019 at 12:18 am
My wife has uterine cancer she used j j baby powder as an baby and on through adulthood.we have been married 25 years... I've seen her use this product on her private parts for many years...i don't understand why I can not find an attorney that will take her case. Thay all say thay are only doing ovaries cancer...can someone put me in contact with an uterine cancer ATTORNEY please? My wife is sta[Show More]My wife has uterine cancer she used j j baby powder as an baby and on through adulthood.we have been married 25 years... I've seen her use this product on her private parts for many years...i don't understand why I can not find an attorney that will take her case. Thay all say thay are only doing ovaries cancer...can someone put me in contact with an uterine cancer ATTORNEY please? My wife is stage 4 and we desperately need help????????