Hair Products Breast Cancer Risk
Researchers at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), an organization that’s part of NIH, conducted a study using data responses from 46,709 women.
In the study, researchers found that women who had regularly used permanent hair dyes within the last year were 9 percent more likely to develop breast cancer than women who did not use these products.
The researchers did not find any significant increases in risks of developing breast cancer for women who used temporary or semi-permanent dyes.
The study revealed that women who have their hair done in salons are at lower risks.
This hair dye and breast cancer link primarily affect women who regularly use store-bought permanent hair dye.
NIEHS Study Finds Links Between Using Chemical Hair Straighteners and Increased Risks of Breast Cancer and Uterine Cancer
Researchers found that women who used chemical hair straighteners at least every five to eight weeks were nearly 30 percent more likely to develop breast cancer. The study also found that women who used chemical hair straighteners were also at more than double the risk for developing uterine cancer.
Links between hair straightener use and breast cancer development were generally consistent between both African American women and white women.
However, the study revealed that straightener use was more prevalent among African American women. Black women use hair straighteners at higher rates than white women, and begin use of chemical hair straighteners at a young age.
These hair straighteners and breast cancer links only apply to chemical products.
Large-Scale Study, Diverse Sample Group
The possible link between permanent hair products and increased risks of breast cancer has been hypothesized for a long time, but research has generally proved inconsistent with research done in small sample groups.
The NIEHS study was able to provide data from a large sample size with a diverse group of women. Of the 46,709 women enrolled, all were between the ages of 35 and 74 and came from all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
None of the women had a personal breast cancer history, but they all had a sister diagnosed. The average follow-up window was 8.3 years.
Demographics & Potential Public Health Impact
NIEHS researchers found demographic discrepancies in those most affected by potential breast cancer risks from permanent hair products. The authors of the study wrote that their research highlighted “potential differences in associations by ethnicity.”
They noted that these findings could potentially hold a substantial impact on public health.
The study revealed that using permanent hair dyes every five to eight weeks increased the risk of developing breast cancer by 60 percent for African American women.
The risk of white women developing breast cancer with the same usage increased by 8 percent.
Researchers said that hair products typically marketed to African American women often have higher concentrations of estrogens and endocrine-disrupting compounds. Researchers were also able to factor in variables including socioeconomic status, reproductive history, and menopausal status.
Participants in the study who used hair dye were often younger, less educated, more likely to have used oral contraceptives, and more likely to be current smokers.
Decreasing Risks of Hair Products and Breast Cancer
National Environmental Health Sciences researchers noted that results should be replicated in other studies and that it is unlikely that one single factor solely contributes to women’s breast cancer risk.
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is less common than skin cancer. The average lifetime risk for developing breast cancer for women in the United States is 13 percent.
However, avoiding permanent hair dyes and straighteners could help women reduce their risks of breast cancer.
Doctors recommend that users exercise caution when using these products at home, using gloves, and following the package’s instructions and safety warnings. Those who fall into high-risk groups or who are particularly worried are encouraged to look into alternatives such as using temporary dyes, or by going to a trusted salon for alternative treatments.
Breast cancer risks can be elevated by several factors, including permanent hair straighteners and dyes.
Medical professionals advise that all women have regular mammogram screenings.
Research has also proven that leading a healthy lifestyle with a low-fat diet and regular exercise reduces risks for developing breast cancer.
Do You Qualify for a Hair Straightener Breast Cancer Lawsuit?
If you or a loved one used hair straightening products and subsequently were diagnosed with breast cancer, you may be eligible to file a claim.
Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation, or use the virtual legal assistant on this page to see if you qualify to file a claim instantly.
As a potential client, there are a few steps you should take with the help of an attorney:
Gathering Evidence for a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit
Evidence is important in any personal injury lawsuit, especially product liability cases like the Hair Relaxer Lawsuit.
In a Hair Straightener Lawsuits, evidence may include:
- Medical records
- Medical bills
- Receipts of purchase
- Receipts of purchase from hair salons for hair relaxer treatments
- Lost wages as a result of medical treatment
- Witness statements
- Doctor’s notes
- Other evidence proving use of hair relaxer products and the subsequent health impacts
Assessing Damages for Hair Straightener Lawsuits
With the help of an experienced attorney, you will begin to assess damages related to your case. Damages refer to the total losses incurred as a result of an injury or diagnosis, both economic and non-economic.
Damages in a Chemical Hair Straightener Lawsuit may include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages or earning capability
- Lost quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional damages
- Permanent disability
- Other damages
Determining Liability for the Hair Relaxer Lawsuit
Liability in Chemical Hair Straightener Lawsuits depend on the certain hair products you have used or been given. There are hundreds of companies that produce hair relaxers and chemical hair straighteners.
Below are a list of companies who have had Hair Relaxer Lawsuits filed against them:
- L’Oreal
- Softsheen-Carson (Optimum Relaxer)
- Dark & Lovely
- Just For Me
- Motions Hair
- ORS Hair Care (Namaste Laboratories, LLC)
- African Pride (Godrej Group)
TorHoerman Law: Accepting Clients for the Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuit
Our attorneys are currently investigating claims that allege links between frequent use of hair straightening chemicals and risk of developing breast cancer, uterine cancer, endometrial cancer, and other health problems.
Do you believe you qualify for the Hair Straightener Lawsuit?
Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.
We are gathering potential clients and strategizing legal action against hair straightener manufacturers whose products exposed women to an increased risk for developing cancer.
Unsure if you qualify for the Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?
You can find out in under 2 minutes by using our website chat on this page.
Don’t hesitate to reach out and speak to our legal team today. We are here to help.
