As talc cancer trials continue across the nation, and in light of a lawsuit against a plaintiff’s expert witness, the ovarian cancer plaintiffs fighting against Johnson & Johnson have issued a press release imploring the public and others to condemn the company and definitively support the plaintiffs’ assertions that there is a link between Johnson & Johnson’s talc products and the occurrence of cancer.
In the release, plaintiffs call on “the public, government regulators, and members of Congress” to acknowledge what they call a clear link between the talc products sold by J&J and cancers. The cancers in question include ovarian cancer and mesothelioma, which the plaintiffs allege have been caused by asbestos contamination. This contamination occurs when the talc is mined because talc and asbestos form under similar conditions and are found in similar locations.
The plaintiffs make four main assertions that they believe demonstrate the clear connection between J&J’s talcum powder and chronic health issues. Those assertions are:
- Analysis of J&J’s talcum powder products has consistently revealed asbestos, fibrous talc, and other carcinogens.
- Studies in women consistently demonstrate that genital use of talcum powder increases the risk of and can cause ovarian cancer.
- Credible scientific studies demonstrate that talcum powder causes inflammation, and that chronic inflammation causes ovarian cancer.
- J&J has known of the dangers of talcum powder for decades. Since the 1980s, more than 40 published epidemiologic studies have examined the link between genital talc use by women and ovarian cancer and have documented significant links between the two.
The Co-Lead Counsel for the multidistrict litigation (MDL) against Johnson & Johnson in New Jersey, Leigh O’Dell, has stated in the release that there is “no denying” the link between J&J’s talc products and cancer. O’Dell notes that “A federal judge put the science and J&J’s denials on trial over eight days and ruled that the science exceeded the high standard required to allow it to be presented in court. State trial and appellate courts around the country that have considered the question have reached the same conclusion.”
It should be noted that a judge accepting scientific testimony is not an official endorsement by the court that the information is true. Rather, allowing scientific testimony to appear in court simply means that the court has found that the conclusions of a study have been reached through sound, established scientific methods with no judgment on whether the findings are significant or not. It should also be noted that despite maintaining that its products are safe, Johnson & Johnson has withdrawn its talc products from retailers in the United States.
If you or a loved one have developed ovarian cancer or mesothelioma after using Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Fill out a free case review to see if your situation qualifies and begin your journey to justice.