Hair relaxers and uterine cancer: a potential link

Jaye Hall was just nine years old when she relaxed her hair for the first time, a routine that quickly turned into a six-week ritual. However, the beauty of straight hair came at a price: the product often burned her scalp. At 21, Hall was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome, which led her to question the link between relaxers and her health. This concern is not unfounded, as scientists have long been investigating the possible association between hair products and health outcomes, including infertility, alopecia, fibroids and early menarche.

Two longitudinal cohort studies, the Black Women's Health Study and the Sisters Study, have suggested a potential link between hair relaxers and uterine cancer. The Black Women's Health Study, which began in 1995, tracks the health and illness of 59,000 black women. Two years into the study, the researchers added questions about hair products to the survey. The study found that postmenopausal women who used relaxants more than twice a year or for more than five years had more than a 50% increased risk of uterine cancer.

The Sister Study, which began in 2003, follows 50,000 women who have a sister with breast cancer. The study found that those who used straightening products more than four times in the previous 12 months were twice as likely to develop uterine cancer compared to those who never used them. However, researchers believe more research is needed to definitively say that straighteners, like relaxers, cause cancer.

Despite these findings, some doctors and researchers are skeptical about the strong association between relaxants and cancer. They argue that the studies have limitations, including reliance on self-reported data, which may be biased. Also, the studies did not delve into the specifics of the relaxer application process or the specific brands used.

The conversation about hair care for black women goes beyond health. For many, hairstyles and hair care are an integral part of their identity, especially in the workplace. However, the decision to wear natural hairstyles and spend a significant amount of time in braids, weaves or wigs is causing permanent alopecia. Despite the shift towards natural hairstyles, uterine cancer rates continue to rise.

In conclusion, while these studies have sparked a much-needed discussion about preventable environmental causes of cancer, more robust research is needed to definitively identify the culprit ingredient in relaxers. Until then, it's important for people to understand their personal risk factors and consider reducing their use of cosmetic products in general.