Hair Relaxers and Cancer: Are Women Trading Health For Straight Hair?
According to NIH, women who used chemical hair-relaxing products at least four times a year were found to be at twice the risk of developing uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine fibroids compared to those who did not.
The research finding “also communicates that uterine cancer is indeed rare. However, the doubling of risk does lead to some concern” said Chandra Jackson, a leading researcher and co-author of the study.
As soon as the research stats were publicized, the number of lawsuits against hair relaxer brands has been increasing at an alarming rate. The first case arose when Jenny Mitchelle, a 32-year-old Hispanic woman sued L’Oreal after having to go through a hysterectomy – leading her to completely lose her uterus. Mitchelle stated she had been using L’Oreal hair relaxers since the age of 10 but was never warned by the manufacturer of the toxic cancer-causing chemicals.
Uterine cancer is a type of cancer that affects the uterus, the organ in which a fetus develops during pregnancy. It is caused by the abnormal growth of cells in the uterus and can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. Symptoms of uterine cancer may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pain during intercourse, and pelvic pressure.
Uterine fibroids, on the other hand, are noncancerous growths that develop in the uterus. They are quite common among women of childbearing age and can vary in size from small to large enough to the size of a watermelon. Symptoms of uterine fibroids may include heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure or pain, and frequent urination.
On Oct 17, 2022, the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published the findings of their study where scientists analyzed nearly 33,947 U.S. women from diverse ethnicities and tracked them for over a decade.
“We’ve seen this association between hair straighteners and breast, ovarian, and now uterine cancer — it’s been a consistent finding among hormonally driven female reproductive cancers” said Dr. Alexandra White, co-author of the study.
Hair straightening products contain chemicals known as endocrine disruptors, which can interfere with the body’s natural hormonal balance. These disruptors, such as formaldehyde and phthalates have been linked to an increased risk of cancer and other health problems. When applied to the hair and scalp, these harmful chemicals can be absorbed through the skin and enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to the development of uterine or other hormone-related cancers.
“The challenge is that the impact of these chemicals might not be limited to hormonal processes, but they could also impact other systems, including our immune and vascular systems. Understanding how these chemicals work beyond the hormonal system is still a new and growing area of research” said by James-Todd
Some hair straightening treatments involve the use of high heat, which can also be damaging to the hair and scalp. This can lead to hair breakage, burns, and other injuries, as well as an increased risk of skin cancer due to UV exposure. Moreover, subjection to volatile organic compounds in the fumes of these chemicals can lead to respiratory problems, eye inflammation, skin irritation, and other health issues.
Since African-American women, under societal pressure, start using hair relaxers from an early age, researchers found that they may be at an even greater risk of developing uterine cancer and uterine fibroids.
“One could make a decision to reduce this chemical exposure, but we also want to acknowledge that there is a lot of pressure on women, especially Black women, to have straight hair. It’s not an easy decision to not do this” said Alexandra White.
In severe cases where the victims had faced injuries or had to go through life-threatening consequences, serious surgical treatments, chemo or radiation therapy, or women who faced permanent infertility issues were awarded compensation for the pain, suffering, and financial losses.
By now 78 chemical hair relaxer lawsuits are pending in hair relaxer class action MDL in the Northern District of Chicago and as the awareness increases, the number of these lawsuits is expected to grow exponentially. Some of the notable hair relaxer defendants in these lawsuits include L’oreal, Just for Me, ORS Olive Oil, Dark & Lovely, Creme of Nature, Motions, Revlon, and Soft & Beautiful.
Before filing a hair relaxer cancer lawsuit victims are recommended to get in touch with an expert lawyer to determine whether their case is worth filing the claim or not. Fortunately, Attorney Kyle Newman, Esq. and his team have taken the responsibility to fight for the justice of those affected in the Bronx and the surrounding areas.
With his extensive experience in product liability and personal injury cases, Attorney Kyle Newman, Esq. is a fierce fighter for justice who will not rest until those responsible are held accountable and fair compensation is obtained for the victims.
He is ready to guide the victims through the legal process, provide unwavering support and compassion, and be their ally every step of the way. Don’t wait any longer, visit Uptown Injury Law Office in The Bruckner Building 2417 3rd Ave, Suite 505 Bronx, New York 10451, or schedule a Free Online Consultation at 855-233-8728
