Husband Believes Everyday Product Played a Role in Wife’s Ovarian Cancer

When Mark Fairweather remembers his late wife, Eva, one moment still breaks his heart. In the final days of her life, she held his hand and told him, “I just wanted to get old with you.”
The couple had been married for more than 40 years and expected to enjoy retirement together. Instead, everything changed when Eva was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer in 2019.

A Sudden Illness With No Warning Signs

Eva lived a healthy lifestyle. She never smoked, drank rarely, stayed active, and always cared about her wellbeing. When she developed persistent stomach cramps and indigestion, she assumed it was something minor.
But tests soon revealed advanced ovarian cancer. She underwent major surgery and months of chemotherapy. Although she briefly regained strength, her cancer returned, and she passed away in August 2023 at age 63.

Husband Joins Legal Action

Two years later, Mark believes an everyday product may have contributed to her illness: talcum powder. Eva had used it daily for decades.
He has joined a group legal claim involving more than 3,000 people in the UK. The lawsuit alleges that Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based baby powder may have been contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen, and that the company failed to warn consumers.
The company strongly rejects the claims, saying its product met regulatory standards and does not cause cancer.

Questions About Long-Term Talc Use

Some studies have reported a possible link between long-term talc use in the genital area and a higher risk of ovarian cancer. Other experts say the evidence shows correlation, not proven causation.
Researchers remain divided, and courts have not yet reached a final conclusion in the UK.

A Husband Seeking Accountability

For Mark, the issue is personal.
“This legal action won’t bring Eva back,” he said. “But people trusted this product. She used it to feel fresh, and she had no idea it could be harmful. She deserved better.”