Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuits

Lawyers for Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuits

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with cancer after using hair relaxers, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit. You may be able to recover damages for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Some manufacturers of hair relaxers have been using dangerous and cancer-causing ingredients for years, and many women have unknowingly suffered as a result. Some of the most popular hair relaxer brands like L’Oreal, Strength of Nature, and Namaste Laboratories have been found to contain these dangerous ingredients.

The Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys is dedicated to helping our clients recover financially from uterine cancer attributed to hair relaxer use.

Don’t hesitate to contact us today to learn more about your legal options. We are here to help you get the justice you deserve.

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No upfront costs to you or your family. We strive to recover the maximum possible compensation allowed under the law for our clients.

Hair Relaxers & Cancer: The Link Explained

You’ve probably heard the growing concern about hair relaxers and cancer and wondered if they’re true. Unfortunately, the answer is yes—there is a significant link.

The ingredients in hair relaxers can cause cancer by interfering with your hormones. Some of these ingredients are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which mimic or interfere with the body’s natural hormones. This can cause problems like cancer, infertility, and congenital disabilities.

One of the most common hair relaxers on the market contains a known carcinogen. Phthalates are a type of EDC, and they’re often used in cosmetic products to increase their durability and fragrance.

The human body can easily absorb phthalates, and they are quickly converted into their respective metabolites. Phthalates can interact with one another and heighten the effects of exposure. One type of phthalate, DEHP, has been linked to uterine cancer.

Phthalates must be listed on product labels unless they are included as a part of the “fragrance.” According to current legislation, they can simply be referred to as “fragrance”, even as they might account for 20% or more of the product.

If you’ve been using hair relaxers for a long time and you suspect exposure, or if you’ve been diagnosed with uterine cancer, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the manufacturers of these products.

Who is the most at risk?

According to a NIH study released in October 2022 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, women who use chemical hair relaxers and straighteners may carry a higher risk of uterine cancer. The study, a sizable, observational study searching for breast cancer risk factors and other health issues, included data from more than 33,000 women.

Following an average of 11 years of observation, women who reported regularly applying hair relaxer products were nearly twice as likely to develop uterine cancer as those who didn’t, controlling for additional risk factors. Women who used hair relaxers more than four times annually were nearly three times more likely to develop uterine cancer.

The NIH study also pointed towards a higher correlation in Black women. About 60% of the women in the study who admitted to using relaxers frequently identified as Black. Although the study did not find a difference in the risk of uterine cancer based on race, Black women may be more affected because they are more likely to use straightening products.

The study reported that this is the case because Black women use hair straighteners or relaxers more regularly and tend to start using them earlier. Black women and Hispanic women also have a higher risk of developing aggressive tumors.

Who Is Eligible to File a Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuit?

All women who have suffered from hair relaxer-related cancer can file hair relaxer cancer lawsuits against manufacturers of products that have used EDCs. To be eligible, you must be able to show that the cancer was caused by exposure to these problem chemicals in the hair relaxers.

In most cases, you can file a lawsuit if the ingredients in the hair relaxer caused:

• Uterine cancer
• Endometrial cancer
• Uterine fibroids

The Risks & Treatment of Uterine Cancer

Uterine cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide and the most common cancer of the female reproductive system in the United States. While uterine cancer is usually treatable in its early stages, it can increase fatality risk if it spreads to other parts of the body.

There are two primary forms of uterine cancer: uterine sarcoma and endometrial cancer. Endometrial cancer begins in the uterus lining. Uterine sarcoma begins in the uterus muscle or surrounding tissues. Uterine cancer symptoms include bleeding between periods or after menopause.

Fortunately, uterine cancer is usually detected in its early stages. This is because many people report abnormal bleeding to their healthcare practitioners. If you or a loved one experiences any unusual pain, leakage, or bleeding, consult your physician immediately. It’s crucial to have a correct diagnosis so you can receive the best care. Your uterus can be removed to treat cancer if it is discovered early and hasn’t spread to other organs.

Treatment for uterine cancer usually involves surgery (hysterectomy) to remove the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. There are four types of surgical procedures for uterine cancer treatment:

• Total abdominal hysterectomy to access and remove the uterus
• Vaginal hysterectomy, where the uterus is removed through the vagina
• Radical hysterectomy is where the uterus, cervix, and portion of the vagina are removed if the cancer has spread
• Minimally invasive hysterectomy where the uterus is taken out with the use of tiny incisions

Other therapies may include:

• Chemotherapy to kill cancer cells using powerful chemicals.
• Radiation therapy, where cancer cells are eradicated by sending precise radiation beams.
• Hormone therapy, which releases hormones or blocks them to kill cancer cells
• Immunotherapy, which supports your body’s defense against cancer
• Targeted therapy, which employs drugs to specifically target cancer cells to prevent their growth

File a Chemical Hair Relaxer Lawsuit With Our Attorneys Now

If you or a loved one used hair relaxer products and has been diagnosed with uterine cancer, endometrial cancer, uterine fibroids, or breast cancer, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against certain hair relaxer manufacturers. Getting help from an experienced attorney could go a long way in strengthening your claim.

At the Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys, we are dedicated to helping our clients recover the compensation that’s deserved for the pain and suffering endured. We have a team of experienced product liability attorneys ready to help you with your case. Contact us today to learn more about filing a lawsuit against the hair relaxer manufacturer.

Hair Relaxer Cancer FAQs