A St. Louis jury recently awarded $70.075 million to plaintiff Deborah Giannecchini in response to her claim that the use of Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder resulted in her diagnosis of ovarian cancer. This is the third substantial talcum powder related verdict against Johnson & Johnson this year. Other damages awarded to plaintiffs in separate suits resulted in $55 million and $72 million in damage awards.

The most compelling evidence that is said to have led to this most recent verdict was written communication between Johnson & Johnson and their talc supplier Imerys, that proved Johnson & Johnson had been aware of the dangers of talc for over 30 years.

One in 70 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in their lifetime. Studies have shown that women who use talc-containing products as part of their every day feminine hygiene are 30-60% more likely to develop ovarian cancer. Unfortunately, this product is still on the market. Ted Meadows, a lead litigator for the plaintiff asked “When is enough going to be enough?”

Johnson & Johnson still claims there is not enough evidence to support the claims of the link between daily use of talcum powder products for feminine hygiene and ovarian cancer. Johnson & Johnson plans to appeal the verdict.