Hair Straighteners And Uterine Cancer: Examining The Legal Connection

A rise in uterine cancer diagnoses has been observed during the past two decades. More than 60,000 new cases of uterine cancer will be found by 2022. This type of cancer has heightened concern for women’s health, which accounts for little more than 3% of all new cancer cases. Women may have more cases of uterine cancer because they use chemical hair straighteners more often

Even though this has long been known, new research highlights just how harmful Eurocentric aesthetic standards can be. For decades, girls and women have been impacted by the expectation that they must meet a standard that’s impossible to reach. Women need to value their appearance, but that shouldn’t come at the expense of their mental or physical well-being. This article will tackle the different angles of a hair straightener uterine cancer lawsuit.

Use Of Hair Straighteners And Hair Relaxers Linked To Uterine Cancer

Matters concerning the safety of the chemicals used in popular hair care products like hair straighteners and hair relaxers have been brought to light by a new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

To keep these things from happening, hair products must follow the same strict safety rules as cosmetics. Consumers have a right to hair products free of cancer-causing ingredients, and a flaw of this nature could provide a legal basis for a lawsuit.

This study is similar to ones that have been published in the International Journal of Cancer and found possible links between using hair straighteners and hair dyes and getting breast and ovarian cancer.

There were 33,497 American women aged 35 to 74 who had never been diagnosed with breast cancer and who participated in the Sister Study conducted by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). More than 378 incidences of uterine cancer were identified over the course of the study’s nearly 11-year follow-up of the women.

Why Are Hair Straighteners Linked To A Higher Probability Of Developing Uterine Cancer?

Although NIH researchers didn’t collect brand-specific data, they did find evidence of many compounds known to be present in hair straighteners sold in stores. Parabens, bisphenol A, metals, and formaldehyde are all examples of such substances.

Because of the greater absorption through the scalp, chemical exposure from hair product use might be incredibly worrying. The dangers can skyrocket when combined with corrosive and cancer-causing chemicals.

Signs And Symptoms Of Uterine Cancer

For those who have experienced any of the following signs and symptoms, you must see your doctor immediately for evaluation:

  • Pain or cramping in the hips, pelvis, or lower abdomen
  • Spotty or heavy bleeding in the genital area prior to menopause
  • Normal or abnormal postmenopausal vaginal bleeding or spotting
  • If you’re over 40 and you experience very regular, heavy, or protracted vaginal bleeding
  • Discharge from the vaginal opening that’s white or clear in color after menopause

A chemical hair straightening lawsuit is something you could look into for compensation if you used hair relaxers and were later diagnosed with uterine cancer.

Hair-straightener Uterine Cancer Lawsuits: What Evidence Is Needed?

For a hair straightener company to be held responsible for a possible link between their product and uterine cancer, the plaintiff would have the burden of proof to establish that the defendant knew or should have known of the risk but did nothing to reduce it or warn consumers. Further investigation is needed where there’s evidence of at least four different uses. This is where the research skills of litigation lawyers come in.

Who Can File A Hair Straightening Cancer Lawsuit?

When assessing whether a woman’s usage of chemical hair relaxers caused her cancer, doctors look for a number of distinct indicators. Common causes of legal action are:

  • Usage of chemical hair straightening products
  • They first used chemical hair straightening products when they were teenagers, but they still use them now as adults.
  • Is a long-time user of chemical hair straightening products.
  • Professional or at-home use of chemical hair straightening products was common.
  • Scalp burns, but not enough to warrant legal action.
  • Was told they had cancer of the uterus or another organ
  • Doesn’t have a history of a uterine cancer or any other kind of cancer in their family

A woman doesn’t have to meet all of the above requirements to file a hair straightening lawsuit, but doing so would help her case. Suppose you or a loved one has developed cancer after having their hair chemically straightened. In that case, you may want to consult a product liability attorney to find out if you qualify for a hair straightening cancer compensation.

The Final Note

Despite its relative rarity, the most prevalent form of cancer in women is that which affects the uterus. While it may be treated if detected early enough, the mental, financial, and physical toll is enormous.

If you’re considering suing a company, you should first speak with an attorney. A skilled attorney will be able to evaluate the unique circumstances of your case and advise you on the best course of action, including where and against whom to file suit, whether or not you have the requisite amount of time to do so, and others.

A lawsuit can’t undo the harm done to you and your loved ones, but it can help you get the medical attention you need to start recovering. An attorney will fight hard to protect your rights because you deserve justice for the terrible things that happened to you.