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Chemical Straighteners Linked to Uterine Cancer Risk
2 Jan
Summary
- Frequent chemical straightener use increases uterine cancer risk to 4.05%.
- Harmful chemicals like formaldehyde are found in many hair straightening products.
- Endometrial cancer cases are rising in India, linked to lifestyle changes.
Recent studies indicate a concerning link between the frequent use of chemical hair straighteners and an elevated risk of uterine cancer. Research published in World Psychiatry suggests users face a lifetime risk of 4.05%, substantially higher than the 1.64% risk for those who never use such products. This heightened risk is attributed to the presence of toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, parabens, and phthalates in many straightening formulations, which are known to disrupt hormone function and are classified as carcinogens.
The popularity of hair treatments such as keratin and chemical straightening, particularly in countries like India, exposes numerous individuals to these potentially harmful substances. Oncologists have observed a worrying trend of increasing endometrial cancer cases in India. While rates remain lower than in some Western nations, they are experiencing a rapid increase, partly due to rising rates of obesity and diabetes, making any additional risk factor a significant health concern.
