Weitz & Luxenberg Provides Information on Ovarian Cancer and asbestos

My mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and I heard somewhere that there is a possible link between asbestos exposure and ovarian cancer. Can you confirm this?

We extend our heartfelt condolences to you and your mother during this emotionally trying period and wish you all the best in finding an effective treatment option. As a law firm, we are not qualified to comment specifically on medical matters, however, we have created this page to provide you with information on ovarian cancer that will hopefully be useful to you in some capacity.

Weitz & Luxenberg has been offering legal assistance for clients with asbestos related diseases for twenty years. If you have any legal inquiries, please do not hesitate to let us know.

Ovarian Cancer: A Uniquely Female Disease

Ovarian Cancer, as the name implies, involves the ovaries. It is the “fifth most common cancer among women and it causes more deaths than any other type of cancer” (NCBI) that strikes the female reproductive system.

The Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer:

Note: Some of these symptoms are also found in women not afflicted with ovarian cancer.

• Bloating
• Difficulty eating
• Feeling full quickly
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Indigestion
• Constipation
• Increased flatulence
• Vaginal bleeding (when not menstruating)
• Unexplained back pain that worsens over time

Ovarian Cancer and Asbestos: Does the Link Exist?

There is a possible link between ovarian cancer and asbestos, though various studies have produced conflicting results.

Asbestos was found in a number of products such as talcum power. Talcum powder contains talc, “a mineral that is produced by the mining of talc rocks.” (Cancer Prevention Coalition) Although “processing eliminates a number of hazardous minerals,” (Cancer Prevention Coalition) some of these minerals, such as asbestos, evade elimination. Therefore, "when a woman uses talcum powder in her genital area, “the particles of asbestos present in the powder can increase the risk of ovarian cancer.”  (Cancer Prevention Coalition)

Talc is believed to be a carcinogenic relative of asbestos

“Talc is closely related to the potent carcinogen asbestos. Talc particles have been shown to cause tumors in the ovaries and lungs of cancer victims. For the last 30 years, scientists have closely scrutinized talc particles and found dangerous similarities to asbestos. Responding to this evidence in 1973, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drafted a resolution that would limit the amount of asbestos-like fibers in cosmetic grade talc. However, no ruling has ever been made and today, cosmetic grade talc remains non-regulated by the federal government. This inaction ignores a 1993 National Toxicology Program report which found that cosmetic grade talc, without any asbestos-like fibers, caused tumors in animal subjects. This would indicate that “with or without asbestos like fibers, cosmetic grade talcum powder is a carcinogen.” (Cancer Prevention Coalition)

In addition to ovarian cancer, what other diseases have been linked to talc?

Those who inhale talc “have shown higher rates of lung cancer and other respiratory illnesses.” (Cancer Prevention Coalition) What is most disconcerting is that talc can be found is one of the most common and widely used household items: baby powder. “Since the early 1980s, records show that several thousand infants have died or have become seriously ill following accidental inhalation of baby powder.” (Cancer Prevention Coalition) A woman might use talc powder on her baby as well as herself because it can effectively “absorb unpleasant moisture.” (Cancer Prevention Coalition)

Let Weitz & Luxenberg provide you with legal counsel and help you secure compensation

Weitz & Luxenberg understands how widespread the asbestos problem is. With over two decades of experience, our attorneys are qualified to help you navigate the legal system. The dangers of asbestos are hardly a secret- they have been known about in the United States for decades. Unfortunately, its use in numerous industries resulted in disastrous consequences for countless individuals. Far too many people are suffering from serious asbestos related diseases as a result of being exposed to asbestos earlier on.

To get started, please fill out the form on this page and a representative from our firm will get in touch with you shortly. The consultation is free and there is no cost unless we secure a verdict or settlement for you.

Acknowledgements:

National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI):

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001891/

Cancer Prevention Coalition: www.preventcancer.com/consumers/cosmetics/talc.htm