Cancer Groups Stress the Need for More Research on Gaps

Even though there is more and more evidence linking talc use to substantial health hazards, major cancer organizations are calling for further independent research

Friday, June 27, 2025 - As the number of Johnsons Baby Powder ovarian cancer lawsuits rise and more scientific studies link talcum powder to ovarian cancer and mesothelioma, major cancer research groups are calling for more independent research into the health impacts of talc. Many studies have found statistically significant links between using talc on the perineum and the risk of ovarian cancer. However, experts say that there are still important gaps in our knowledge about the actual biological processes that are at work. A lawyer for numerous plaintiffs in a talcum powder case says that while further study is always helpful, the information that is currently out there is strong enough to warrant tougher warnings and government action a long time ago. There are more and more baby powder cancer claims in both U.S. and international courts. The plaintiffs say that for decades, producers have minimized or ignored the growing body of scientific evidence. Many plaintiffs say they have used talc-based powders for decades as part of their regular personal hygiene, often because of focused advertising campaigns that made these products seem safe and necessary.

The American Cancer Society says that while more and more research demonstrates that long-term exposure to talc increases the risk of ovarian cancer, it is still hard to prove that talc exposure causes cancer because cancer development is caused by many different things. Researchers are still trying to figure out how talc particles, when administered to the vaginal area, can go through the reproductive system and cause long-term inflammation that leads to tumor growth. Researchers are also looking into genetic predispositions, environmental factors, and differences in exposure intensity as possible causes of disparities in risk levels. Talcum powder cancer lawyers say that producers have used these scientific uncertainties as a defense in the past to prevent regulatory changes or public warnings, which has delayed real consumer protection for years. Advocacy groups say that the evidence we have now passes the precautionary principle threshold, which means that preventative steps are justified even while some scientific questions remain. Experts in public health say that companies kept actively promoting talc-based powders to women, especially in communities of color, elderly women, and women who didn't know about new health issues. Experts note that several independent research teams are now doing long-term studies that are not supported by the industry. These studies are important for getting rid of any potential conflicts of interest. Regulators in many nations are keeping a close eye on this new research to help them make choices about future policies. In courtrooms, plaintiffs keep bringing forth new evidence to support their claim that reasonable safety measures should have been put in place far sooner. Manufacturers still have a lot to lose in court because any subsequent research that proves causation would likely make claims for punitive damages stronger based on the fact that they didn't act even though they were warned early on. Even though research on talc and cancer is still going on, the growing number of consistent links is already changing how people feel, how regulators act, and how the law holds people accountable.

Even though there is strong evidence that talc is linked to cancer, cancer groups want more independent studies to be done on the subject. Lawyers for talcum powder cancer victims say that the information that was already available was enough to issue safety warnings. The American Cancer Society says that fully demonstrating causation is difficult, although research suggests strong connections. As more lawsuits are filed and more research comes out, authorities and courts may use the precautionary principle more often to impose tougher restrictions. As science catches up, manufacturers are facing more legal and reputational consequences