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Hair Straightener and Relaxer Products Linked to Uterine Cancer

Riddle Brantley LLP   |  November 7, 2022   |  

Hair relaxers and straighteners may cause uterine cancer. Chemicals in popular hair relaxer and straightener products have been linked to uterine cancer.In the past few years, there has been a growing concern among the public and the medical community about hair straightening chemicals and their potential to cause cancer. A recent study has now demonstrated that there is a significantly increased risk for uterine cancer in women who use chemical hair straighteners and relaxers regularly, especially among Black women.

If you have used hair straighteners or relaxers in the past and later developed uterine cancer, you may qualify for a claim for compensation.

Riddle & Brantley can provide a FREE case review and help advise you on your legal options concerning a potential hair straightener cancer lawsuit or claim. Call 1-800-525-7111 today to speak with one of our expert hair straightener cancer attorneys. We will listen to you and help determine your best options for pursuing compensation.

Do Hair Straighteners and Relaxers Cause Uterine Cancer?

Over the past few years, there has been a growing concern about the safety of hair relaxers and straighteners. This has been propelled by anecdotal reports of adverse reactions, including burns, rashes, and hair breakage. While these are concerning, there have also been reports linking hair straightener and relaxer products to an increased risk of uterine cancer.

Recently, a study was published that observed women over 11 years to identify potential health risks. Unfortunately, this study demonstrated a correlation between those who had used chemical hair straighteners and a higher risk for uterine cancer.

Evidence that Hair Relaxers and Straighteners Cause Uterine Cancer

Preliminary research suggests that hair relaxers and straighteners may increase the risk of uterine cancer. Specifically, the Sister Study of 33,497 U.S. women ages 35-74 found that women who used permanent hair straighteners, hair relaxers, or hair dyes every six months or more often had a greater risk of uterine cancer than women who used these products less frequently.

This study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute and conducted by researchers at the U.S. National Institutes of Health, provides insight into an often-overlooked risk factor in many women’s lives.

According to Alexandra White, Ph.D., head of the NIEHS Environment and Cancer Epidemiology group, “We estimated that 1.64% of women who never used hair straighteners would go on to develop uterine cancer by the age of 70; but for frequent users, that risk goes up to 4.05%. This doubling rate is concerning.”

More specifically, the study revealed that women who used hair straighteners or relaxers more than four times in the previous year “were more than twice as likely to go on to develop uterine cancer compared to those who did not use the products.”

This study is the most significant evidence linking hair-relaxing chemicals to uterine cancer, but more research will likely be conducted in the coming years.

Do Hair Dyes Cause Uterine Cancer?

While researchers did find a link between hair relaxers and straighteners and uterine cancer, no association was found between the use of hair dyes, highlights, and perms and uterine cancer.

Who is Most at Risk for Uterine Cancer from Hair Straighteners?

According to the study, approximately 60% of study participants who used straighteners in the previous year self-identified as Black women. The study did not find that race was a significant factor in the risk of uterine cancer. However, they did observe that Black women may be more at risk for developing uterine cancer from these products due to greater use.

“I Developed Uterine Cancer After Using Hair Relaxers and Straighteners. What Are My Options?”

Most importantly, if you believe you are suffering adverse effects from your chemical hair straightening products, you should immediately discontinue their use.

If you developed uterine cancer after using chemical hair relaxers or straighteners, call 1-800-525-7111 for a FREE case review. You may be entitled to compensation.

“We are ready to help get consumers justice if they’ve suffered from uterine cancer due to potentially dangerous hair relaxer and straightener products.”

Gene Riddle, attorney, Riddle & Brantley

At Riddle & Brantley, we strive to get our clients the justice they deserve when they’ve suffered due to negligence. First, we offer FREE case reviews where we can meet with you and try to fully understand your unique situation. Then, we apply over 225 years of combined attorney experience to help seek the compensation you deserve.

Call 1-800-525-7111 today to speak with one of our hair straightener cancer attorneys. And with Riddle & Brantley, you never pay any attorney fees unless we win compensation for you.

Justice Counts.