Last year, the Canadian Cancer Society estimated that 2,800 Canadian women would be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Now, a Missouri state jury has ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $72 million to the family of Jacqueline Fox, a woman who died of ovarian cancer as a result of using two of J&J’s talcum-based products.
The jury determined that Johnson & Johnson had failed to provide the necessary information on the cancer risks that its powders might present. Reuters reports that 1,000 similar cases have been filed in Missouri with another 200 in New Jersey.
Fox’s lawyer says J&J had “no remorse” for patients dying of ovarian cancer.
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J&J has responded by posting a fact sheet on its website reassuring customers that talc-based powders are safe for use. Also, in a media statement released to IHR Magazine, J&J said that, “The talc used in all our global products is carefully selected and meets the highest quality, purity and compliance standards. The recent jury outcome goes against decades of sound science proving the safety of talc as a cosmetic ingredient in multiple products, and while we sympathize with the family of the plaintiff, we strongly disagree with the outcome.”
Dr. Steven Narod, a senior scientist at the Women’s College Research Institute, and a world leader in breast and ovarian cancer genetics, says there is a link between talcum powder and cancer–but the risk is low.
“The studies show a slight increase in the risk of ovarian cancer among women who use talcum powder, particularly in the genital area and on sanitary napkins. That’s been in evidence for many years,” Narod says.
Narod adds that 10 in 1,000 women in Canada living until age 80 can expect to get ovarian cancer.
