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NEW STUDY LINKS CHEMICAL HAIR STRAIGHTENERS TO Uterine Cancer
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with uterine cancer after using chemical hair straighteners, you might be entitled to financial compensation.
New Study
links chemical Hair Straighteners to Uterine Cancer
Over the last two decades, uterine cancer diagnoses have increased. Data estimates more than 60,000 new cases of uterine cancer in 2022. This type of cancer, which only made up just over 3% of all new cancer cases, has raised a growing concern over women’s health. However, a possible connection between women with uterine cancer and the use of chemical hair straighteners may account for the increase.
It’s no secret that eurocentric beauty standards are destructive, but current studies illuminate how dangerous these ideals can be. The pressure to achieve an unattainable standard has affected women and girls for decades.
Every woman deserves to feel beautiful, but the cost shouldn’t come at the expense of their health and happiness.
According to a new National Institutes of Health study, “women who used chemical hair straightening products were at higher risk for uterine cancer compared to women who did not report using these products.” 1
The seminal study, which followed 33,497 women for over a decade, found a significant gap between women who straighten their hair with chemical products and women who do not. Researchers found that women who regularly used these products were more than four times more likely to develop uterine cancer.
Companies that manufacture cosmetic products are required to meet industry safety standards. The consumers who purchase merchandise from these companies are entitled to safe products.
AVA Law Group is investigating the link between chemical hair straighteners and uterine cancer and whether manufacturers knew of the dangers of their products. Here’s all the information we’ve uncovered and the questions that still need answering.
Which Chemical Hair Straightener Brands Are Linked to Uterine Cancer
The National Institutes of Health’s study focused on how frequently participants used hair care products and the increased risk of uterine cancer. Therefore, researchers did not collect information concerning the brands or ingredients in the products.
Although it’s unclear if any one brand of chemical straightener posed a greater risk than another, the study did reveal that of the 33,497 women who participated in the survey, over 300 were diagnosed with uterine cancer. Furthermore, the study did not find a correlation between other hair care products, such as hair color or perms, and uterine cancer.
how do chemical straighteners Cause Uterine Cancer?
Although research shows a link between chemical hair straighteners and uterine cancer, they cannot define precisely how chemical straighteners cause cancer. The authors point out that many harsh chemical treatments contain known carcinogenic such as “parabens, bisphenol A, metals, and formaldehyde.” 1
Chemical straighteners have to break down the structure of the consumer’s hair to achieve a straightened look, which is why these types of treatments tend to have harsher chemical makeup than other hair products. Furthermore, due to their abrasiveness, chemical straighteners often cause lesions and burns to the scalp. The frequency of damaged skin during the straightening process has led some researchers to theorize that the open hair follicles and wounds may allow the body to absorb harsh chemicals at a higher concentration or a quicker rate than other hair products.
Hair
a Long, Controversial History
It’s no secret that hair and hair care products have a long controversial history that intersects with politics, gender, and race. And while the study didn’t find that race inherently impacted whether or not a participant developed cancer, the authors noted that 60% of those who used chemical hair straighteners self-identified as Black women. 1
Other studies have confirmed that although uterine cancer is on the rise among all American women despite race, Black women are at more risk of developing uterine cancer than other races.
Historically, Black women and girls have felt immense pressure to conform to a eurocentric beauty standard.
According to Adela Suliman, reporting for the Washington Post, “[M]any Black people in the United States and elsewhere have faced discrimination at school and work for wearing their
[natural] hair … with some saying they receive better treatment when they straighten.” 2
Because of the pressure to fit into a eurocentric beauty standard, Black women are the largest consumer demographic purchasing chemical straighteners. In fact, consumer data shows that not only are they the biggest demographic, but Black women also apply chemical straighteners more frequently and report using them earlier in their lives than women of other races.
So, although the study found no inherent difference between women of all races who develop cancer after using chemical straighteners, the author does note that because Black women are the largest consumer demographic, “these findings may be even more relevant for them.” 1
what to do if You Have Been Diagnosed with Uterine Cancer
Despite uterine cancer’s overall rarity, it is still the most common gynecological cancer. And while it is treatable if diagnosed in its early stages, the emotional, financial, and physical costs are all incredibly painful and debilitating.
For many women, especially Black women, assimilating to a eurocentric beauty standard means better treatment and less discrimination. It could come down to a chance at landing a better job. The beauty industry knows this and takes advantage of people society has put in a no-win position and along the way, the lives of millions of women get put at risk.
After decades of product testing and research, it’s unlikely that the companies manufacturing chemical hair straighteners didn’t know the damage and devastation their products cause.
These companies put profit over people, and it’s time to hold them accountable.
Consulting with an experienced attorney is essential when considering a lawsuit against any company. Based on the specific details of your case, a knowledgeable lawyer can help you make critical decisions about where to file your lawsuit, who to pursue, if your case meets the time requirements for filing a suit, etc.
At AVA Law Group, we provide access to top-notch, experienced attorneys from across the U.S. with proven track records of success.
In addition to our high-quality legal staff, we value your story, and our legal team will work to ensure the courts hear your voice.
While we understand that a lawsuit will not reverse the damage caused to you and your family, financial restitution will go a long way to give you access to the care you need to start healing.
You deserve justice for the trauma you endured, and we promise to fight aggressively to protect your rights.
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with uterine cancer after using chemical hair straighteners, you might be entitled to financial compensation. Talk to an AVA legal expert and take your first step toward healing today.
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If you or a loved one were diagnosed with uterine cancer after using chemical hair straighteners, you might be entitled to financial compensation. Talk to an AVA legal expert and take your first step toward healing today.
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