The Hidden Dangers of Talc and the Fight for Justice

September 2024

“Talc was a luxury item. I never imagined it would cause me serious harm”

Now retired and in her mid-70s, Irene* visited her GP following symptoms of weight loss and reduced appetite.

An ultrasound discovered that she had a tumour, but it was hoped that this would prove to be non-cancerous. A few days later, she experienced severe pain, and she was taken to hospital and operated on the same day.

Advised that the tumour was ovarian cancer, her initial operation to remove her right ovary was followed six weeks later by a full hysterectomy.

Recounting her serious illness Irene* said: “Thankfully we already had three children before I discovered I had cancer out of the blue. We had talked about having more children, but the choice was no longer available to us.

“I was terrified about whether I would survive and worried about what would happen to my husband and children. The doctors told me that the tumour was full of powder. I spent 18 months recovering and I was unable to work during this period. The financial impact on our family was significant.

“I remember my husband telling me at the time that I had a 40% chance of survival. I didn’t cope very well at the time, it was incredibly difficult and worrying. My mother couldn’t believe that I had cancer and a substantial operation at the age of 41 – the same age that she had given birth to my twin and I.

“I was glad to be alive. Our youngest two kids missed out because we were under considerable financial strain, and I also couldn’t drive during my recovery. I used talc in good faith. They must have known there was a serious problem because they’ve changed the product now.

“I felt safe using baby powder and I remember it was an expensive product. I never thought it would cause me harm, let alone lead to ovarian cancer.”

KP Law is taking action against talc manufacturer Johnson & Johnson who we believe knew about the risks of cancer-causing asbestos as early as the 1960s. It failed to stop selling the product until 2023, knowing it contained asbestos, and failed to warn consumers of the serious health risks.

Join our action today to hold Johnson & Johnson accountable.

*Name changed to protect privacy