Hair-straightening chemical products linked to increased uterine cancer risk in new study

Scientists are uncovering new details about the potential connection between certain hair straightening products, such as chemical relaxers and pressing products, and an increased risk of cancer in women.

 

Ongoing research has suggested that hair straightening chemicals are associated with a higher risk of certain hormone-related cancers, including breast and ovarian cancers. Now, a new study links use of hair straightening products with an increased risk of uterine cancer. Black women may be more affected due to higher use of the products, the researchers noted.

 

The study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, estimates that among women who did not use hair-straightening chemical products in the previous 12 months, 1.6% developed uterine cancer by age 70, but about 4% of the women who frequently use such hair-straightening products developed uterine cancer by age 70.

 

That finding “also communicates that uterine cancer is indeed rare. However, the doubling of risk does lead to some concern,” said Chandra Jackson, an author of the study and researcher at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

 

The study has left some women who use the products questioning whether to reduce their usage or stop it altogether