A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute suggests a link between the use of chemical hair straighteners and uterine cancer. The study found that women who used these straighteners more than four times per year were more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer. The study also revealed an increased risk of breast cancer, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis for those who use chemical hair straighteners. Additionally, there appears to be a disproportionate number of black women who have developed uterine cancer after the use of chemical hair straighteners. Sixty percent of the women in the study are black, while less than 14% of all women in the U.S. are black.
Law suits have been filed to compensate women who have a known use of chemical hair straighteners and were later diagnosed with cancer or other side effects such as uterine fibroids and endometriosis. A class action law suit has also been filed in Illinois, demanding reimbursement for the purchase price of chemical hair straightener products.
ConsumerNotice.org is a group trying to shine a light on the results of this study. Their purpose is “Protecting you and your loved ones from harmful products and poorly regulated industries through awareness, education and shared experiences,” as per their website. Daniela Rodriguez is their Outreach Coordinator and can be reached at drodriguez@consumernotice.org.
Because we at Down There Aware are committed to education and advocacy for women, in particular regarding gynecologic cancers, we wanted to share this information and these valuable resources with our listeners.
You may read more about the link between chemical hair straighteners and cancer at the following links:
Chemical Hair Straightening Side Effects | What to Know Chemical Hair Straighteners and Cancer | Risks for Women Hair Straightener Lawsuits: Lawsuit Updates & Cancer Claims
Thank you, Daniela and ConsumerNotice.org for reaching out to us at Down There Aware to help spread the word about the connection to hair straighteners and uterine cancer. If you think your cancer was caused by the use of hair straightening products, please educate yourself and reach out to your healthcare provider to learn more.