Hair products may contain hazardous chemicals with endocrine (hormone)-disrupting and carcinogenic (cancer-causing) properties. Previous studies have found hair product use to be associated with a higher risk of hormone-sensitive cancers (cancers that respond
to hormone-based therapies), including breast cancer and ovarian cancer. However, no previous study has investigated the relationship with uterine cancer.
Previous studies have found hair product use to be associated with a higher risk of hormone-sensitive cancers, including breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
A recent study examined associations between hair product use and the incidence of uterine cancer, among 33,947 study participants, aged 35-74 years. In baseline questionnaires, participants in this racially and ethnically diverse study self-reported their use of hair products in the prior 12 months, including hair dyes, straighteners, relaxers, pressing products, and permanents or body waves.
Over an average of 10.9 years of follow-up, 378 uterine cancer cases were identified. Ever vs never use of straightening products in the previous 12 months was associated with a higher incidence of uterine cancer. The association was stronger when comparing frequent use (>4 times in the past 12 months) vs never use. Use of other hair products, including dyes and permanents or body waves, was not associated with an increased incidence of uterine cancer. These findings are the first evidence of association between use of straightening products and uterine cancer.
About Women’s Cancer Research Foundation
The Women’s Cancer Research Foundation (WCRF) is one of the most active research organizations in the nation. We are dedicated to studying and evaluating novel treatments for women afflicted with breast, ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers. The WCRF persistently endeavors to make a difference in women’s lives by offering them hope, strength, and progress.
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