Published by Johnson & Johnson’s Shower-to-Shower body powder contains talc, a mineral that has been linked to an increased risk for ovarian cancer when applied to the female genitals.Free Confidential Lawsuit Evaluation: If you or a loved one got cancer after using Shower-to-Shower, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a suit against the manufacturer and our lawyers can help.
Table Of Contents
- Shower-to-Shower Lawsuit: What You Need to Know
- The Link Between Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer
- Talcum Powder Lawsuits: Holding Johnson & Johnson Accountable
- Mining Companies Also Facing Lawsuits Over Talc Use
- Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Claims Against J&J
- Multi-Million Dollar Verdicts Against Johnson & Johnson
- What These Verdicts Mean for Consumers?
- Legal Considerations: Filing a Claim Against J&J
- How to File a Talcum Powder Cancer Lawsuit?
- FAQs
- Get a Free Shower-to-Shower Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
Shower-to-Shower Lawsuit: What You Need to Know
Concerns over talc-based products have grown in recent years, with lawsuits highlighting potential health risks tied to long-term use. If you have used Shower-to-Shower, understanding the risks and your legal options is essential.
What is Shower-to-Shower?
Originally introduced by Johnson & Johnson, Shower-to-Shower was marketed as a feminine hygiene product designed to maintain smooth skin while absorbing moisture and odors.
Early formulations contained talcum powder, which has been linked to ovarian cancer. Some newer versions now use cornstarch, a safer alternative.
In October 2012, Valeant Pharmaceuticals acquired the rights to Shower-to-Shower from Johnson & Johnson.
The product is currently sold in several formulations, including:
- Original Fresh
- Breeze Fresh
- Island Fresh
- Morning Fresh
- Sport
Although the product remains popular, growing concerns about talc’s safety have led to legal action from individuals who believe they were harmed by its use.
What’s the Problem?
A 2023 study from the National Center for Biotechnology and Information suggests that women who use talcum baby powder on their genital area may face an increased risk of ovarian cancer [1]. This adds to years of research pointing to similar concerns.
This is especially troubling given that nearly 40% of U.S. women report regularly using baby powder for personal hygiene.
Some of the most widely used talc powder products include Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower-to-Shower. If you have used these products and later developed ovarian cancer, you may be at risk.
Who Might Be Affected?
Women who regularly used talc-based Shower-to-Shower products, especially before talc-free alternatives became available, may have unknowingly been exposed to harmful ingredients.
If you or a loved one was diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using these products, you could qualify for legal action.
Many individuals are only now discovering the risks linked to talcum powder. If you suspect your health issues are connected to Shower-to-Shower, consulting a legal professional can help determine your eligibility for a claim.
Several studies conducted over the past 25 years found an association between perineal talc powders and ovarian cancer, according to a critical review published in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention in April 2008. The summary relative risk is about 1.3 (95 percent confidence intervals 1.2–1.5) and these data have been interpreted as supporting a causal role.
Related Article:
Talcum Powder Litigation Update
The Link Between Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer
For decades, researchers have examined whether talcum powder increases the risk of ovarian cancer. Multiple studies suggest that regular use of talc-based powders, like Shower-to-Shower, may lead to serious health concerns.
Below, we break down key research findings, known symptoms of ovarian cancer, and how the connection between talc and cancer was first discovered.
What Does the Research Say?
Scientists have been studying the connection between talcum powder and ovarian cancer for over 40 years. A major review of nearly 40 medical studies found that women who used talcum powder had a 20 to 30% higher chance of developing ovarian cancer compared to those who did not [2].
This research, led by Dr. Anne McTiernan at the University of Washington, analyzed data from 38 studies spanning four decades.
The studies specifically examined women who used talc-based powders in the genital area and compared their cancer rates to non-users. The results showed a 22 to 31% increased risk of developing epithelial ovarian cancer, the most common type of ovarian cancer.
These findings raise serious concerns about the long-term safety of talcum powder. If you or a loved one developed ovarian cancer after using Shower-to-Shower or other talc-based products, legal options may be available.
Recognizing Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
Understanding the symptoms of ovarian cancer is crucial, as the disease is often diagnosed in later stages. According to a 2022 Cleveland Clinic study, common symptoms include [3]:
- Abdominal bloating, pressure, and pain
- Feeling unusually full after eating
- Difficulty eating
- Increased urge to urinate
- Fatigue
- Indigestion and heartburn
- Constipation
- Back pain
- Menstrual irregularities
- Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)
Despite decades of research, no reliable screening test exists for early detection of ovarian cancer. This makes it difficult to diagnose until symptoms become more severe.
If a healthcare provider suspects ovarian cancer, they will typically conduct a pelvic exam to check for abnormal growths or enlarged organs.
Despite years of research, experts haven’t yet developed a successful ovarian cancer screening test, the Cleveland Clinic said. For this reason, the condition is often difficult to diagnose in the early stages. If your healthcare provider suspects ovarian cancer, they’ll ask about your symptoms and perform a pelvic exam. During the exam, they’ll check for any abnormal growths or enlarged organs.
Evidence Linking Talcum Powder to Cancer Goes Back Decades
The connection between talcum powder and ovarian cancer is not new. Research on this issue dates back to 1971, when a study published by the National Library of Medicine found talc particles embedded in the ovarian tissue of cancer patients who had regularly used talcum powder on their genitals [4].
Further testing using an extraction-replication technique found talc particles deeply lodged in both ovarian and cervical tumor tissues. Researchers noted that talc’s chemical similarity to asbestos minerals was concerning, as asbestos exposure is well known to cause cancer.
Despite these early findings and numerous studies reinforcing the connection between talc and ovarian cancer, talc mining companies and Johnson & Johnson continue to dispute the evidence.
For over 40 years, J&J has marketed Shower-to-Shower and its baby powder without including warnings about potential risks—even after initial research suggested a link to cancer.
An extraction-replication technique was used to examine tissue from patients with ovarian and cervical tumours, the researchers said. In both conditions talc particles were found deeply embedded within the tumour tissue. The close association of talc to the asbestos group of minerals is of interest.
If talcum powder is indeed linked to ovarian cancer, many women may have unknowingly been exposed to serious health risks. The longstanding debate over the safety of talcum powder continues to unfold in courtrooms, with many lawsuits claiming that manufacturers failed to warn consumers about potential dangers.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using Shower-to-Shower or similar products, you may have legal options to seek compensation. Consulting a legal professional can help you understand your rights and determine if you qualify for a claim.
Talcum Powder Lawsuits: Holding Johnson & Johnson Accountable
For decades, Johnson & Johnson marketed Shower-to-Shower and Johnson’s Baby Powder as safe hygiene products, widely used by millions.
However, growing scientific evidence suggests a strong link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer, leading to numerous lawsuits.
Many plaintiffs claim that J&J knew about the risks but continued to sell talc-based powders without warning labels.
These legal battles include wrongful death claims, product liability lawsuits, and actions against talc mining companies supplying J&J. Below are some of the most significant cases that highlight the legal and medical concerns surrounding talc-based products.
California Woman Files Lawsuit After Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis
February 14, 2017
– One of the most recent cases involves 94-year-old Frances Escobedo, a California woman who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2013 after a lifetime of using Shower-to-Shower and Johnson’s Baby Powder [5].
As a result of her cancer diagnosis, Escobedo underwent chemotherapy and radical life-saving surgeries. Her lawsuit claims that J&J failed to warn consumers about the risks, leaving millions unaware of the potential dangers of long-term talc exposure.
Internal Memos Suggest Johnson & Johnson Knew of Cancer Risks
While J&J denies liability, internal company documents tell a different story. In 1997, a J&J medical consultant warned that denying a link between talc and ovarian cancer would be ignoring clear evidence.
According to USA Today, the memo stated that “anybody who denies the risk of using hygienic talc and ovarian cancer is denying the obvious in the face of all evidence to the contrary” [6].
Despite this, J&J continued to sell Shower-to-Shower and Johnson’s Baby Powder without including any cancer warnings. The company now faces more than 1,200 lawsuits from individuals claiming J&J failed to protect consumers from known health hazards.
Mining Companies Also Facing Lawsuits Over Talc Use
The lawsuits do not only target Johnson & Johnson. Talc suppliers are also being held responsible for their role in allegedly providing harmful ingredients.
Talc Supplier Sued for Providing J&J with Allegedly Harmful Talc
September 7, 2016
– Plaintiffs have also filed lawsuits against Rio Tinto Minerals and its former subsidiary, Luzenac America, both of which were major suppliers of talc to J&J [7].
According to the lawsuit, all three companies—J&J, Rio Tinto Minerals, and Luzenac America—failed to warn customers about the catastrophic health hazards associated with using talcum powder.
This case underscores the wider accountability in the talc industry, as more companies face legal challenges over long-term exposure risks.
Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Claims Against J&J
While many lawsuits involve personal injury claims from survivors of ovarian cancer, some cases focus on wrongful death lawsuits filed by family members of those who lost their lives to talc-related cancers.
Texas Woman Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit After Daughter’s Ovarian Cancer Death
August 17, 2016
– A grieving Texas mother has taken legal action against Johnson & Johnson, claiming that her daughter’s ovarian cancer death was caused by decades of using Shower-to-Shower and Johnson’s Baby Powder.
The lawsuit argues that her daughter’s wrongful death—and countless others—could have been prevented had J&J placed warning labels on its talc-based hygiene products. This case highlights the high stakes of the ongoing lawsuits, as more families seek justice for their lost loved ones.
Chicago Woman Diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer at Age 39 Sues J&J
July 18, 2016
– At just 39 years old, Barbara Ross was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, forcing her to undergo the removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes after years of using Shower-to-Shower and Johnson’s Baby Powder has filed a product liability lawsuit against J&J [8].
Barbara Ross used Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower as part of her daily routine from 1992 through 2014 for hygienic purposes, the complaint states. Following her 2014 Ovarian Cancer diagnosis, Barbara Ross was required to undergo removal surgery for both of her ovaries and fallopian tubes at the young age of 39.
Ross had been using Shower-to-Shower and Johnson’s Baby Powder daily from 1992 to 2014, believing them to be safe. Her lawsuit alleges that J&J knew about the cancer risks but failed to warn consumers. This case is one of many showing that talc exposure can impact younger women as well.
Related Article: Illinois Talcum Powder Lawsuits
California Woman Files Uterine Cancer Lawsuit Against J&J
July 12, 2016
– In addition to ovarian cancer claims, some lawsuits link talc to uterine cancer.
Plaintiff Dolores Gould, a California woman, alleges that years of using Shower-to-Shower and Johnson’s Baby Powder caused her uterine cancer diagnosis in 2006. Her lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California under case number 3:16-cv-03838-DMR [9].
If you have used Shower-to-Shower or Johnson’s Baby Powder and have been diagnosed with ovarian or uterine cancer, you may be eligible to seek legal action. Given the time-sensitive nature of lawsuits and settlement funds, consulting a product liability attorney as soon as possible is crucial.
Legal claims against J&J continue to grow as more women step forward to hold the company accountable for failing to disclose the potential dangers of talc-based products.
Multi-Million Dollar Verdicts Against Johnson & Johnson
As lawsuits over talc-based products and ovarian cancer continue to mount, Johnson & Johnson has faced repeated multi-million dollar verdicts from juries across the United States.
Courts have found the company liable for failing to warn consumers about the risks associated with using Shower-to-Shower and Johnson’s Baby Powder.
From individual lawsuits to class-action cases, juries have awarded billions of dollars in damages to women and families who claim that J&J’s products caused ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.
Below are some of the most significant legal rulings that have shaped the ongoing battle against Johnson & Johnson.
J&J Hit With Consecutive Multi-Million Dollar Talc Cancer Verdicts
Johnson & Johnson has suffered back-to-back losses in court over its talc-based hygiene products. These cases highlight growing legal accountability for the company’s failure to disclose the potential dangers of talc powder.
May 2, 2016 – According to Reuters, Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay $55 million to Gloria Ristesund, a 62-year-old woman diagnosed with Stage I ovarian cancer in 2011 [10]. Ristesund had used Shower-to-Shower and Johnson’s Baby Powder for decades before her diagnosis.
Johnson & Johnson was ordered by a U.S. jury on Monday to pay $55 million to a woman who said that using the company’s talc-powder products for feminine hygiene caused her to develop ovarian cancer, Reuters said. The verdict, which J&J plans to appeal, was the second straight trial loss for the company, which is facing about 1,200 lawsuits accusing it of not adequately warning consumers about its talc-based products’ cancer risks.
A St. Louis jury awarded her $5 million in compensatory damages and $50 million in punitive damages, citing J&J’s negligence in failing to warn consumers. The company quickly announced its intention to appeal the decision.
This verdict came less than three months after another St. Louis jury ordered J&J to pay $72 million in damages to the family of Jackie Fox, a 62-year-old woman from Birmingham, Alabama, who died from ovarian cancer in 2015.
According to the lawsuit, Fox had used J&J’s Baby Powder and Shower-to-Shower for over 35 years, contributing to the development of her cancer.
NY Jury Awards $25 Million in Talc Cancer Lawsuit
In addition to ovarian cancer cases, lawsuits have also linked J&J’s talc-based products to mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure.
May 22, 2019 – A New York Supreme Court jury ruled that Johnson & Johnson must pay $25 million in compensatory damages to Donna Olson, a 66-year-old woman, and her husband [11].
Olson claimed that 50 years of using Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower-to-Shower directly caused her mesothelioma.
This case, filed under Donna A. Olson et al. v. Brenntag North America Inc. et al. (case number 190328/2017), underscores growing evidence that J&J’s talc products contained asbestos, despite company denials.
Judge Upholds Record $4.7 Billion Talc Cancer Verdict
Juries have not been the only ones finding J&J liable—judges have also upheld massive verdicts against the company.
December 27, 2018 – According to AP News, Johnson & Johnson lost its bid to overturn a $4.7 billion verdict in St. Louis Circuit Court [12].
This case involved a group of female plaintiffs who claimed that using J&J’s Baby Powder contributed to their development of ovarian cancer. Judge Rex Burlison upheld the ruling, citing J&J’s “particularly reprehensible conduct.”
His ruling stated that J&J:
Defendants knew of the presence of asbestos in products that they knowingly targeted for sale to mothers and babies, knew of the damage their products caused, and misrepresented the safety of these products for decades.
J&J Ordered to Pay $110 Million in 5th St. Louis Talc Cancer Lawsuit
As lawsuits continued, jury awards kept climbing, with one of the highest single-case verdicts coming in 2017.
May 5, 2017 – A Missouri state court jury awarded $110 million to Lois Slemp, a 62-year-old woman who claimed that four decades of using Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower-to-Shower caused her ovarian cancer [13].
The jury found J&J 99% responsible, ordering the company to pay $5.4 million in compensatory damages and $105 million in punitive damages. The talc supplier, Imerys Talc America, was also ordered to pay $50,000 in punitive damages for providing talc to J&J.
This verdict became the largest award in the first five talc cancer trials and set a precedent for future litigation against J&J.
What These Verdicts Mean for Consumers?
The repeated multi-million dollar verdicts against Johnson & Johnson suggest that juries and judges across the country believe the scientific evidence linking talc to cancer is strong.
These cases demonstrate that:
- J&J allegedly knew about the cancer risks but continued selling talc-based products without warnings.
- Plaintiffs have been awarded billions in damages for ovarian cancer and mesothelioma claims.
- Lawsuits continue to mount as more victims step forward.
Despite these losses, Johnson & Johnson continues to deny wrongdoing and appeals most verdicts. However, legal battles are far from over, and more cases are expected to go to trial.
What to Do If You Have Been Affected
If you or a loved one used Shower-to-Shower or Johnson’s Baby Powder and later developed ovarian cancer or mesothelioma, you may qualify for legal action.
Given the time-sensitive nature of lawsuits and available settlement funds, it is important to consult a product liability attorney as soon as possible.
With verdicts reaching billions of dollars, Johnson & Johnson is under unprecedented legal pressure. As courts continue ruling against the company, consumers are gaining the opportunity to seek justice for the harm they have suffered.
Legal Considerations: Filing a Claim Against J&J
As lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson continue to grow, many affected individuals are seeking compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.
The following is what you need to know about the time limits for filing a lawsuit and the steps involved in the claims process.
Statute of Limitations: How Long Do You Have to File a Lawsuit?
Each state sets its own time limits for filing a talcum powder lawsuit, referred to as the statute of limitations.
It is crucial to be aware of these deadlines, as failing to file within the allowed timeframe may result in losing the right to pursue compensation:
- Some states require claims to be filed within one year of diagnosis.
- Others provide two to three years from the date of diagnosis or when the injury was discovered.
- Certain states extend the filing window to five or even ten years.
Since the time limits vary by state, consulting an attorney as soon as possible can help ensure that your claim is filed within the allowable time frame.
How to File a Talcum Powder Cancer Lawsuit?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using Shower-to-Shower, filing a lawsuit may help you receive compensation for medical expenses and damages.
The process can seem complex, but following the right steps can help make it more manageable.
Claims Process: Steps to Take
Filing a talcum powder lawsuit involves several key steps. Each step is important for building a strong case and ensuring that you have the necessary evidence.
- Consult an Attorney – Seek out a lawyer specializing in product liability cases, particularly those involving talcum powder lawsuits.
- Gather Evidence – Collect medical records, purchase history, and proof of long-term product use to support your case.
- File Your Lawsuit – Your attorney will prepare and submit your claim within the appropriate statute of limitations to ensure it is valid.
Documentation Needed to Strengthen Your Case
To file a strong lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson, gathering proper documentation is essential.
The following records can help establish a direct link between talc use and your diagnosis:
- Medical Records: Diagnosis reports confirming ovarian cancer or other related conditions or biopsy results that may indicate talc exposure in ovarian tissue.
- Usage History: Statements or testimony confirming consistent, long-term use (typically four years or more).
- Purchase Records: Any receipts, pharmacy records, or product packaging that provide proof of purchase.
Legal action against Johnson & Johnson is growing, and courts are increasingly ruling in favor of plaintiffs who claim they were harmed by talcum powder.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using Shower-to-Shower, taking legal action now can help you seek justice and compensation.
FAQs
What symptoms should I watch for if I have used Shower to Shower talcum powder?
Symptoms to watch for include pelvic pain, bloating, changes in menstrual cycles, and respiratory issues. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a healthcare professional promptly.
Can I still join a lawsuit if I no longer have the product or receipts?
Yes, you can still join a lawsuit even if you no longer have the product or receipts. Other evidence, such as witness testimony or medical records linking your condition to talcum powder use, can support your case.
What is the success rate of lawsuits against Shower to Shower talcum powder?
The success rate of lawsuits varies, but many plaintiffs have won significant settlements or verdicts. The success often depends on the quality of evidence and legal representation.
Get a Free Shower-to-Shower Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
The Product Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Shower-to-Shower lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new ovarian cancer cases in all 50 states.
Free Confidential Case Evaluation: Again, if you were diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using J&J Shower-to-Shower, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.
References:
- https://www.schmidtandclark.com/mesothelioma
- https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/ftox.2023.1157761/full
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4447-ovarian cancer
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/5558843/
- https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-njd-3_16-md-02738
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/nation-now/2016/05/03/johnson-johnson-baby-powder-talc-ovarian-cancer-case-55-million/83865636/
- https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/trending/p6cdp74kew2qastruwxf3q2
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chicago-law-firm-files-first-lawsuit-against-johnson–johnson-on-behalf-of-chicago-woman-who-was-diagnosed-with-ovarian-cancer-following-her-use-of-talcum-powder-based-products-300300008.html
- https://www.schmidtandclark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016-08-05-JJ-Response.pdf
- http://www.reuters.com/article/us-johnson-johnson-talc-verdict-idUSKCN0XT20L
- https://law.justia.com/cases/new-york/other-courts/2020/2020-ny-slip-op-51315-u.html
- https://apnews.com/article/business-health-4fca02659e41423aa847a46b59f11847
- https://www.cnbc.com/2017/05/05/johnson-johnson-ordered-to-pay-110-million-in-us-talc-powder-trial.html