Why I blame baby talc for my cancer

Brit suing US giant over asbestos link tells how her health fell apart

- KELLY-ANN MILLS

LIKE millions of babies in the 1970s, Cassandra Wardle had Johnson's talcum powder rubbed on her every day.

Four decades later, she is one of hundreds of Brits suing its maker, Johnson & Johnson, for allegedly failing to warn consumers that the skin drying agent contained asbestos.

The claimants believe the talc made by the US pharmaceutical giant caused their cancers.

Two years ago, Cassandra, 47, was given months to live when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and it spread to her lungs. She survived, but the ordeal ruined her health, her business, her chance to be a mother and her voice.

Cassandra, who has to whisper every word to our reporter, said: "Johnson & Johnson talcum powder was in every home and was a trusted brand.

"I am grateful to still be here but I am also incredibly angry. I want to know why they didn't change the ingredients when they knew it was dangerous.

"What they have done is despicable."