September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. In 2016, President Obama declared the month of awareness in an effort to fight the terrible disease that is ravaging lives around the country, and the world. Awareness is raised, in part, through the display of a teal-colored ribbon. Ovarian cancer patients and various health alliance groups are hopeful that the President’s declaration will also raise funds for increased research around eliminating ovarian cancer altogether.
According to the American Cancer Society, over 22,400 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2017, with about 14,000 dying from the disease.
The CDC reports that ovarian cancer ranks number 10 of the most common cancers, accounting for about 3% of all cancers in women.
Causes of Ovarian Cancer
While there is no specific known cause of ovarian cancer, there are indicators of increased risk, including inherited genetic mutations, and, more recently, a possible link between ovarian cancer and the use of baby powder (talcum powder) for feminine hygiene.
The good news is that ovarian cancer diagnoses have been falling over the last 20 years, though slowly. There is some evidence that tubal ligation, hysterectomy, and the use of some birth control pills may lower the risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Further Reading: Take it Slow in the Cone Zones
Lawsuits Arising from Ovarian Cancer
There are two types of lawsuits that may arise from an ovarian cancer diagnosis.
The first is generally referred to as a “Failure to Diagnose” lawsuit and is categorized as a Medical Malpractice claim. This lawsuit is brought by the cancer patient against a doctor or medical provider, who should have found and diagnosed the cancer, had this person or provider followed the proper standard for medical care.
The second type of lawsuit is generally referred to as a “Products Liability” claim. This claim is brought when the use of a product is found to have cancer causing side effects. In the case of ovarian cancer, the use of talcum powder, or baby powder has resulted in numerous multi-million dollar jury awards in 2017.
The TrialLine case timeline software embed below provides a history of talc related ovarian cancer studies and jury awards.
Contact our Colorado Springs Medical Malpractice Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one have been injured by medical malpractice, it’s important that you are aware of your legal rights. You have a right to collect compensation for your injuries, for damages, and for pain and suffering. But without an experienced Colorado Springs lawyer on your side, this is often difficult. Contact the experienced Colorado Springs medical malpractice attorneys at the Green Law Firm today to schedule a no-obligation consultation and discuss your case. Call us today at 1-719-694-8515.
