Hair Straighteners & Increased Risk of Cancer

Hair straighteners and relaxer products contain numerous harmful chemicals including phthalates and formaldehyde which may disrupt the hormones that regulate cell growth. Frequent exposure to these chemicals can increase the risk of developing uterine, endometrial and ovarian cancer. We are investigating these cases on behalf of patients who were diagnosed with Uterine/Endometrial or Ovarian cancer with frequent use (at least 4 times a year) of a hair straightener/relaxer for at least two (2) years.

A recent study by the National Institute of Health (NIH) found that women who use chemical hair straightener or relaxer treatments have an increased risk of developing uterine cancer. Women who used these products more than four times per year were more than two and a half times (2.5x) more likely to develop uterine cancer than those who didn’t use hair relaxers as often. A prior report from the same study also found that frequent users were two times more likely to develop ovarian cancer.

The Products:

• Hair Relaxers

• Keratin

• Brazilian Blow Out

Brands:

(include but not limited to)

• Optimum

• Dark & Lovely

• Crème of Nature

• African Pride

• Just for Me – targeted to children

• ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer

• Motions

Hair Straightener and Relaxer products have been utilized since the 1970s to straighten hair from its natural state. These products are widely available in salons, beauty supply, grocery and drug stores. Cosmetic companies have heavily marketed these products to reinforce straight hair as a beauty standard everyone should strive for.

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We stand ready to hold these cosmetic companies responsible for their harmful products. In the event you receive any calls regarding these products, we welcome the opportunity to work with you and your clients. If you believe the criteria listed below applies to you, please fill out and send in our questionnaire and you will be promptly contacted to discuss next steps.

Hair Relaxer Questionnaire

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Criteria

Injuries	Uterine Cancer: Endometrial Cancer Type 1 and Uterine Sarcoma Ovarian Cancer: Non-Serous tumors (stronger association) and Serous tumors
Usage	Minimum of 4 times a year Duration – At least 2 years of use but preferably 5 or more years of use Prefer use in the year prior to diagnosis If discontinued use years prior to diagnosis, usage should exceed 5 years
Age	Diagnosed at 70 years old or under
Other	Limited Confounding Factors including smoking, personal or family history of cancer, hormone replacement therapy, genetic factors, etc.