As ovarian cancer and mesothelioma victims continue seeking justice from Johnson & Johnson, the three families whose case is currently being heard in a Los Angeles courtroom had their claim strengthened yesterday by testimony from an epidemiology professor. Dr. Rebecca Smith-Bindman of the University of California, San Francisco, told the jury that multiple studies have concluded that using the product for feminine hygiene significantly increases ovarian cancer risk.
Expert Cites 2024 Study Showing Doubled Ovarian Cancer Risk from Talc Use
Dr. Rebecca Smith-Bindman testified on behalf of the families of ovarian cancer victims Mary Owens, Bonnie Tienken, and Geneva Williams. The three women died of the devastating illness after having used J&J’s talc products for feminine hygiene and other purposes for decades. Smith-Bindman reviewed numerous studies finding increased ovarian cancer risk for women who frequently used talc for feminine hygiene, including the very first study finding a link in 1982 and one as recently as 2024.
The expert explained epidemiology and the several types of research that have linked talc exposure to both ovarian cancer and mesothelioma, including cohort studies, case-control studies, and meta-analysis studies. The 2024 study she referenced was conducted by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and involved over 50,000 women. She noted that the study’s authors found that “women who use talcum products frequently have twice the risk of ovarian cancer, so that’s a tremendous increase in risk,” adding, “these results are very powerful.”
Multiple Studies Have Linked Talc to Ovarian Cancer and Mesothelioma
Dr. Smith-Bindman said that the first study on the subject was conducted in 1982 by Dr. Daniel Cramer, who found that women with ovarian cancer were more likely to have used talc powder regularly. The same doctor conducted another study in 2016 and found an up to 50% increase in risk, with the risk increasing the more talc was used. Her own peer-reviewed meta-analysis study was co-authored in 2022 and found a nearly 50% increase in ovarian cancer risk for women who frequently used talc. “And I think what this shows you is that the results are quite clearly, and unequivocally positive” about increased ovarian cancer risk, she said.
The ongoing trial is the second ovarian cancer case being heard in Los Angeles since J&J abandoned its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. In the first, the jury awarded two ovarian cancer victims $40 million. Tens of thousands of similar cases are pending nationwide, as well as many claims filed by those who blame their mesothelioma on the company’s products.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer or mesothelioma, and you believe asbestos-contaminated talc is to blame, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Call us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.
