Long Island Talcum Powder Lawyer

The Risks of Using Talcum Powder

Talc is a silicate that occurs naturally in ore. As one of the softest minerals on Earth, talc is commonly mined for its various commercial uses. Talc can be found everywhere from body powders, cosmetics, and paintings, to plastics Despite its various uses, research shows that prolonged exposure to talc can present substantial health risks. While many women were harmed by using talc found in cosmetics and baby powder, the American Cancer Society also argues that men were harmed by their exposure to talc particles during the mining process.

The Link Between Cancer and Talcum Powder

The link between exposure to talc and increased risk of cancer diagnosis have been acknowledged through several years of research as well as accompanying lawsuits. In the last few years, talc has been associated with severely deadly conditions, including:

• Lung cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Uterine cancer

Detecting the Signs of Ovarian Cancer

Cases of ovarian cancer caused by talcum powder can be difficult to diagnose. Unfortunately, being late to diagnose these conditions can make them more challenging to treat. Some of the earliest warning signs of ovarian cancer include:

• Bloating
• Menstrual problems
• Constant need to urinate

If ovarian cancer is detected early, the odds of survival increased substantially. Unfortunately, many researchers refer to ovarian cancer as a “silent killer” because signs of the condition are often difficult to determine during the early stage. Unfortunately, if a person fails to catch ovarian cancer early, the chances of survival are often low.

Talcum Powder as a Cause of Cancer

Talc is a soft mineral that assumes absorbent qualities when ground into powder. While the powder is soft, the individual elements of talcum are difficult to break down. When talcum powder is applied to a person’s body, elements of the powder can become lodged in that person’s body. Unfortunately, the body often cannot expel these products, which means they remain in a person’s body for years, which can lead to the formation of cancerous tissue or tumors.

The History of Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawsuits

In various lawsuits in the last decade, many injured victims and their families have claimed that the regular use of talcum powder caused them to develop ovarian cancer. Over the last few years, juries have ordered the Johnson & Johnson company to make several large payouts to families impacted by talcum powder. Today Johnson & Johnson is currently facing more than 12,000 lawsuits in regards to the use of their talcum products. In many of these lawsuits, the plaintiffs claim that using talcum powder resulted in ovarian cancer. We strongly encourage women that have used talcum powder regularly to contact us and let our Long Island talcum powder lawyers help you receive compensation.

The Danger of Talc Exposure

When it comes to weighing the risk of talc use, the amount of time a person is exposed is a substantial factor in the adverse complications that result. In many cases, people who are exposed to talc for only a short period of time are much less likely to develop associated cancers. People who have been in repeated contact with talc for an extended period of time increase their cancer risk substantially.

Limiting Your Talc-Exposure

Due to the risks, many cosmetic and hygiene products today are not produced with talc. Instead, some manufacturers decided on minerals with less-established cancer risks. For example, many baby powders use cornstarch rather than talc. Simply avoiding products that use talc as a core ingredient can substantially help to lower a person’s risk of developing cancer. If you used talc-products in the past, it is a wise idea to pay close attention to your body and any symptoms that might manifest.

Statistics Concerning Ovarian Cancer

Following an ovarian cancer diagnosis, it is common to have questions. While it is important to understand that a person is not alone following an ovarian cancer diagnosis, it also helps to understand some other important factors, which include:

• Over 20,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year.
• In general, women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with cancer between 55 and 64
• Ovarian cancer is estimated to be the fifth deadliest cancer
• 70% of women have a recurrence despite ovarian cancer treatment

Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer

Besides talcum powder use, some other factors increase your chances of ovarian cancer. In recognizing these risks, you can take steps to reduce your risk of ovarian cancer:

• If you had another type of cancer, you are at elevated risk of ovarian cancer.
• If your parents had breast or ovarian cancer, you are more likely to develop ovarian cancer.
• Women of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage carry a one in 40 chance of having the BRCA mutation, which creates an increased lifetime risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

The Risk of Talcum Powders

Talcum powder became popular as a result of their moisture-absorbing abilities over the last few decades. The main ingredient in talcum powder, however, is talc, which when ground up can lead to cancerous syndromes. For example, some Shower to Shower powders still contain a combination of talc, incuing Johnson & Johnson baby powder.

Soon after it was founded in 1894, Johnson & Johnson began producing talcum powder, which helped to prevent newborn conditions like skin irritation and diaper rash. While Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder became marketed as something that could be used throughout one’s lifetime, the product became even more dangerous. The company’s most successful talcum powder product, Shower to Shower, is specifically marketed to adults as a deodorant to reduce sweat, odor, and to cool skin that is hot to the touch.

Preventative Steps Ovarian Cancer Patients Can Take

Medical professionals have not found a way to completely reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. There are, however, some steps that can be taken to reduce cancer risks. Some of these steps include:

• If a person has BRCA mutations, removing their ovaries.
• Routinely taking low doses of aspirin
• Taking birth control pills
• Undergoing surgeries like hysterectomies or tubal ligation

Speak with a Long Island Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawsuit Lawyer

If you have been harmed by talcum, it can help to speak with a knowledgeable Long Island personal injury lawyer. Contact the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP by calling (866) 878 – 6774 today to schedule a free case evaluation.