What Types of Uterine Cancer Are Linked to Hair Relaxer?

Growing medical evidence has established a strong link between hair relaxers and cancer. In several studies, researchers indicate that frequent exposure to the undisclosed toxic chemicals used in hair relaxer and perm products may significantly increase uterine cancer risks. Studies have suggested these harmful chemicals in hair relaxers may cause the following types of uterine cancer.

Endometrial Cancer from Hair Relaxers

Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the uterus. Endometrial cancer is the most common type of uterine cancer, accounting for almost 95% of all cases.

Endometrial cancer usually develops slowly over time, and symptoms may not be noticeable until the disease is advanced. Some common symptoms of endometrial cancer include irregular vaginal bleeding, pain in the pelvic area, and bloating.

Uterine Sarcoma from Hair Relaxer

Uterine sarcoma is the rarest type of uterine cancer caused by hair relaxers, accounting for only about 2% to 5% of all uterine cancer cases. Uterine sarcoma is a type of cancer that develops in the muscles or supporting tissue of the uterus, which typically requires surgery to remove the tumor, as well as chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.

Symptoms of uterine sarcoma from hair relaxer may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pain in the pelvic area, and a mass or lump in the uterus.

The 5-year survival rate for uterine sarcoma is 50%–55% for patients with early diagnosis and 8%–12% for advanced cases.

Do Hair Straighteners Increase the Risk of Uterine Cancer?

Yes, the frequent use of chemical hair relaxers increases the risk of uterine cancer. While previous research has identified a higher risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer from hair relaxer side effects, a landmark study published in late 2022 provided even stronger evidence about the link between hair relaxers and uterine cancer, which may develop after long-term use of the hair straightening products.

Studies Linking Hair Relaxer to Uterine Cancer Risk

Increased Uterine Cancer Rates Among Hair Relaxer Users: Study

Chemical hair straighteners and hair relaxer uterine cancer risks were highlighted in a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute in October 2022.

Researchers from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) reviewed data on nearly 34,000 women from the U.S. and Puerto Rico who used multiple hair products, including hair dyes, straighteners, relaxers, or pressing products.

The link between hair relaxers and uterine cancer was substantial. When compared to women who never used chemical hair relaxing products, frequent users (women using hair relaxers more than 4 times per year) had a 156% increased risk of developing uterine cancer. However, even women who “infrequently” used chemical straighteners between 1-4 times per year still faced a 54% increased risk to develop uterine cancer compared to women who never used the hair relaxers or perms.

Hair Relaxer Uterus Cancer Risks for Black Women

Researchers also found African American women disproportionately represented the number of participants using chemical hair straighteners in the study, making up 59.9% of those using hair relaxers, while only accounting for just over 7% of the study’s population.

Authors of the study suggested black women could face a higher risk of developing uterine cancer due to the frequent exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals found in perms and chemical hair straighteners, especially since many of these products are introduced to them at early middle and high school ages.

“The adverse health effects associated with straightener use could be more consequential for African American and/or Black women because of the higher prevalence and frequency of hair product use, younger age of initiating use, and harsher chemical formulations (ie, higher concentrations of EDCs and chemicals being regulated or banned) than other races and ethnicities”

The study’s findings suggesting increased cancer rate risks among black women using hair relaxers support findings in previous studies that have identified hair products aggressively marketed to African American women often contain higher concentrations of endocrine disrupting chemicals.

Uterine Cancer Rates Higher Among Hair Relaxer Users: 2023 Study

In a study published in Environmental Research on December 15, 2023, researchers identified a significant link between both the duration and frequency of chemical hair straightener use and uterine cancer in postmenopausal Black women.

The study analyzed data from approximately 45,000 Black women, out of which 347 had been diagnosed with uterine cancer. The findings indicated women who occasionally used hair relaxers were associated with a 60% increase in uterine cancer risk, while those who heavily used the products faced a 64% increase in uterine cancer risk.

Researchers found that participants using hair relaxers for 20 years or longer were associated with more than a 70% increase in uterine cancer risk.

Hair Relaxer Chemicals and Uterine Cancer: Research Letter

Hair relaxers have been found to contain several man-made plasticizers and preservatives, such as phthalates and parabens. In a study published in the Journal of Health and Pollution (JHP) in May 2021, researchers found excessive levels of parabens and phthalates in urine samples were associated with a significantly higher risk of developing endometrial cancer.

In fact, the study found those in the highest percentile of the endocrine disrupting chemicals in their urine samples were 4 times more likely to develop endometrial cancer.

Researchers indicated women were at the highest risk due to the ability of these chemicals to alter the function of proteins and cells found inside of the female reproductive system, as well as disrupt the body’s normal regulation of hormones.

How could hair straightening chemicals cause uterine cancer?

Many hair straightening products and relaxers contain endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) like formaldehyde, phthalates and parabens. Endocrine disruptors cause problems with hormone production which control cell growth, female reproductive system function and more.

Many researchers at the National Cancer Institute believe these endocrine disrupting chemicals in chemical hair straightening products may cause cancer cells to grow more rapidly in reproductive organs like the uterus. Supporting research has found these chemicals can even activate the growth of benign uterine fibroids. Below we will explain how some hair relaxer chemicals can cause uterine cancer.

Which hair relaxers cause uterine cancer?

Hair relaxer lawsuits are being filed against manufacturers of many popular chemical straightener products, which have been found to contain chemicals that may increase the risk of uterine cancer including, but not limited to:

• Dark and Lovely
• Just for Me
• ORS Olive Oil
• Soft & Beautiful
• TCB Naturals
• Motions
• African Pride
• Dream Kids Olive Oil Miracle
• Creme of Nature
• Optimum Salon Haircare

Please note that this is a list of the most popular hair relaxer or straightener products, and many other hair straightening products have been found to contain cancer causing chemicals as well.

Is there a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit for Uterine Cancer?

Yes, our lawyers represent women pursuing a hair relaxer cancer lawsuit against several manufacturers of relaxer and chemical hair straightener products, including:

• L’Oreal (SoftSheen Carson)
• Revlon
• Strength of Nature Global, LLC
• Namaste Laboratories, LLC
• Godrej Global
• Dabur Ltd

What should I do if I was diagnosed with uterine cancer after using hair straightening products?

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with uterine cancer after using hair relaxers, you should contact our hair relaxer uterine cancer lawyers for a completely free consultation to answer any questions you may have and explain your legal rights.

For decades, hair relaxers have been aggressively advertised, predominately to black women and teenagers as a safe and cost-effective way to straighten their hair at home without disclosing the fact that the products contain well documented and research-backed toxic and carcinogenic chemicals.

Are there any costs to hire a lawyer for my hair relaxer cancer case?

There are absolutely no out-of-pocket costs to review your case or hire our attorneys. Potential uterine cancer claims are evaluated by our hair relaxer lawyers for individuals throughout the United States, and all cases are handled on a contingency fee basis.

Through the use of contingency attorney fees, individuals have access to the experience and resources of our national law firm for their hair relaxer lawsuit settlement — regardless of their individual financial resources.

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