A new study suggests that women who straighten their hair chemically may be more prone to uterine cancer. However, because of their higher usage than White women, Black women are at a higher risk.
Hair straightening chemicals can cause uterine cancer
According to CDC, uterine cancer is a risk factor for women, but the risk increases with age, especially during menopause. Although uterine cancer makes up around 3% of cancer cases in the US, it is still the most prevalent gynecologic cancer form.
The NIH-sponsored study established a connection between regular use of chemical hair straightening products and increased risk of developing uterine cancer. The study’s primary author Dr Alexandra White said that uterine cancer is likely to occur in 1.64% of women that have never used chemical hair straighteners. Still, the risk is 4.05% for those regularly using hair straighteners.
Surprisingly black women are more at risk than white women. Frequent use of the products was defined as having used them at least four times in the past year. Black women are more at risk because they use the products more often than other women.
Black women more predisposed to hair-straightening chemicals
According to the study, around 60% of the women who admitted to using hair straightening products were black. Usually, black women tend to use relaxing treatments and hair straightening products more often, and they start using them early than other ethnicities or races.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr Madeliene Gaines said that the findings are a concern for Black women that have been using hair straightening products and relaxation treatments because of the hair bias they face in society. Gainers explained that hair relaxers could be problematic because they need to be regulated and aren’t required to disclose all ingredients. In addition, since the products have harsh chemicals, they can cause burns and lesions on the scalp.
The body may absorb chemicals from these hair products, which could upset the hormone levels and increase the risk of cancers and other diseases. In addition, your body may experience similar effects if you ingest the chemicals.
