For years, women have relied on chemicals and beauty products to straighten, relax, and dye their hair. These products are manufactured by major corporations and distributed worldwide. Despite how commonly used these products are, they do not face the same rigorous testing as food or medicine. This lack of testing has proven to be costly since we now know about links between hair relaxers and cancers.
The research that established this link is relatively new. There is substantial evidence that hair relaxers increase the likelihood of cancer and it is now clearer how these products trigger the deadly diagnosis. A defective products attorney can work with you on filing a mass tort claim if you believe your cancer was linked to a hair relaxer product.
Uterine Cancer
Uterine cancer is the most common form of cancer impacting women in the United States. Each year, hundreds of thousands of women across the country receive a diagnosis of uterine cancer.
The potential links between hair relaxer use and uterine cancer are significant. According to a 2022 study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, the chances of developing uterine cancer were nearly four times greater for women who use hair relaxers compared to those who do not. The results are especially pronounced among black women.
There are two different categories of uterine cancer: endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma. Endometrial cancer is the most common of the two. It develops in the lining of the uterus and it is more likely to be related to the use of hair relaxer products. It is also more likely to occur in women over the age of 60.
Uterine sarcoma is rare. This type of cancer involves cancerous growth in the muscles surrounding the uterus.
Ovarian Cancer
In addition to uterine cancer, there are also links between hair relaxer products and ovarian cancer. According to the same 2022 study, women who use hair relaxers on a regular basis are twice as likely to develop ovarian cancer compared to those who do not. The study defines using hair relaxers “on a regular basis” as at least four times per year.
As is the case with uterine cancer, the study also reflects that women of color are far more at risk for this type of cancer based on the use of hair straighteners. The study also highlights the dramatic increase in cancer rates for those who use these products. It is now clearer how hair relaxers increase the likelihood of ovarian cancer.
Talk to an Attorney if You Were Diagnosed with Cancer After Using Hair Relaxers
If you have been diagnosed with uterine or ovarian cancer after regularly using hair relaxer products, you might benefit from the guidance of an attorney. Our team at Childers, Schlueter & Smith can help you determine if you meet the requirements for a potential lawsuit against the makers of hair relaxer products. Call us for a free consultation to discuss your situation.
