Almost anything we touch or consume today leads to cancer. The toxic chemicals are available in cleaning supplies, make-up, and even in fruits that we eat. Recently, the news concerning hair relaxers resulting in cancer and other ailments has gained prominence. All the research that was conducted doesn’t merely highlight a vague connection, it confirms its cause and effect.
The National Institutes of Health conducted a study recently that delved into the connection between hair products used to straighten hair and fatal cancers. The result highlighted that women who make use of chemical hair relaxers over four times a year have a higher chance of developing uterine cancer compared to others.
‘The Sister Study’, is a popular, U.S.-based research done on 34,000 women between the age brackets of 35 and 74 years. Paola Gehrig, a gynecologic oncologist, said that this research focused on these women for almost 10 years. The study revealed that those who frequently used chemical hair straightening products had a 1.6% to 4% chance of getting uterine cancer.
Gehrig asserted that it is necessary to be careful about placing this study in context, as uterine cancer is rather uncommon. It is black women who have been affected the most. In this article, we will discuss and understand how hair relaxers cause cancer. We will also touch upon how victims can file a lawsuit to claim legal compensation for their suffering.
The Crucial Risks for Black Women
Nearly 60% of the women who used hair relaxers in the study were black. TorHoerman Law states that this group of women has an increased prevalence of genetic and molecular markers for fatal endometrial cancer. These women don’t get the necessary care for their ailments and are diagnosed with this disease mostly at the final stage, which is not the case with white women.
Gehrig further pointed out a few points about black women, such as:
- They start to use hair relaxers at an early age and are exposed to harsh chemicals for a longer period of time.
- They have more chances to die suffering from uterine cancer compared to white women.
How Does Hair Relaxers Cause Cancer?
Not many women are aware of how the use of hair relaxers can lead to cancer. Many chemicals present in hair relaxers are carcinogenic and tend to disrupt the hormonal balance. It comprises formaldehyde, heavy metals, and bisphenols that act as endocrine disruptors. Women leave such styling products on their heads longer than the required duration. It injures their scalp, which makes the chemical absorption easy.
That is not all. The hair relaxers also contain sodium hydroxide, which is very alkaline and can break heavy curls. For instance, keratin treatments popularized by parlors are also carcinogenic and can cause cancer in women.
However, there is a need for advanced research to establish this for sure, which might take a few more years. The women who were affected by hair relaxers should seek medical attention and then file a hair straightener cancer lawsuit to seek legal compensation they deserve to cover medical bills and other losses they have encountered.
What Can Women Do to Stay Safe?
Women across the globe, including women of color, should take proactive steps to reduce their chances of getting diagnosed with cancer because of their choice of hair styling products. One of the best ways here is to opt for non-chemical hair treatments that don’t guarantee results in a day, but help to improve hair health. It can bring down the count of cancer caused by hair straighteners and relaxers.
However, women who have already suffered and are anguished by it can file a lawsuit so that they can get compensated for their loss. Additionally, it will also help to raise voices against the use of chemical hair styling products that can help women make good quality life and styling choices.
The Legal Remedy
If you have been affected by a chemical hair relaxer, it is necessary to get in touch with a lawyer who can help you with your legal case. They consider all the evidence that you share with them and study it minutely. After that, they use the vital points and develop a compelling case that results in a favorable verdict. That aside, the lawyer also lets the victim know about the probable settlement payout so that they have practical expectations.
In conclusion, having straight hair has become almost a necessity because of unrealistic beauty standards set by social media content. Since straight hair is looked upon as the epitome of beauty and style, most women, including black women, are under pressure to use these chemical products. Hence, anyone who is affected can file a lawsuit and voice their concern so that other women can be careful about this and stay safe.