Do Chemical Hair Straighteners Cause Cancer?

Chemical hair relaxers, or straighteners, are a popular way for women to give their curly hair a sleeker and straighter look. But new evidence suggests that using such products poses an increased health risk. A new study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that people who use chemical hair relaxers have a higher risk of developing uterine cancer. This is especially concerning for black women, who statistically use these products more often than other women.

What Does The NIH Study Show About Hair Relaxers?

The study conducted by the NIH found that frequent users of chemical hair straightening products have a 4.05 percent risk of developing uterine cancer by the time they are 70 years old. This risk is more than double that for women who have never used these products, who have a 1.64 percent likelihood of developing uterine cancer.

The study, which followed over 33,000 women over 11 years, reports that 378 cases of uterine cancer were diagnosed in participants. The women who participated in the so-called Sister Study were all sisters of women with breast cancer, but they had no history of cancer themselves. Their ages ranged from 35 to 74.

The women who were found to be the most likely to develop uterine cancer were those who used chemical relaxers regularly – more than four times in the last year. The study did not ask for particular brands or types of straighteners. While other types of hair products, like perms, dyes, and bleach, didn’t have the same connection to uterine cancer, they have been linked to ovarian and breast cancer via the same study.

Do Hair Relaxers Lead To Other Types Of Cancers?

In the ongoing Sister Study, researchers reviewed medical records of women who used other types of hair products, including permanent hair dyes and relaxers. The participants, both white and black women, were asked questions about their hair product use over time, and they found that those who used permanent dyes and chemical relaxers were at an increased risk of developing breast cancer.

Additionally, the study found that the link was even more significant among black women. Eight years into the study, it was determined that the risk for white women who used permanent hair dye was about 7 percent, while for black women, the risk was a whopping 45 percent. The risk was even higher for black women who regularly dyed their hair every couple of months.

More specific study is needed in this area, but the Sister Study shows that there is a reason for women to be concerned.

Should You File A Chemical Hair Straightener Cancer Lawsuit?

Suppose you used chemical hair straightening products for an extended amount of time, and you have received a uterine or breast cancer diagnosis. In that case, you may be able to file a lawsuit to recover the damages. You should speak with an experienced product liability attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney can help you determine whether you have a valid claim and how you should proceed.

No lawsuit will reverse your cancer diagnosis. But it could hold the manufacturer of the dangerous products accountable for your illness and the expenses it has caused. Also, it may prevent others from falling victim to the same injuries.

Compensation for these cases may include your medical expenses, lost pay, other expenses related to your care, and pain and suffering. If it is your loved one who was affected by cancer and they have died, you may also be entitled to funeral expenses and loss of companionship.

How Do You Find A Product Liability Attorney?

If you have been diagnosed with uterine or breast cancer and you used chemical hair relaxers, or you have lost a loved one who did, you should find an attorney with experience in litigating chemical straightener cancer cases.

Ross Feller Casey has the experience and knowledge to help you with this type of lawsuit. Over the five years alone, we have recovered more than $1 billion for our clients, including numerous cases involving cancer. Additionally, we have a team of top medical doctors on our staff ready to review medical records and handle complicated cancer cases.

Contact one of our experienced attorneys for your free case review. We will fight for your legal rights and for the compensation you deserve.