Hair Relaxer Lawsuit

Uterine Cancer, Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer Tied to Chemical Hair Products

The NIEHS (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences) announced the results of its long-term study showing an association between the use of chemical hair straighteners and relaxers with uterine cancer risk.

The study involved more than 33,000 women, ranging in age from 35-74.  The study suggests that women who used chemical straighteners or relaxers more than four times per year, were TWICE as likely to develop uterine cancer than women who did not use chemical straighteners or relaxers.

These findings, along with several other studies, have shown that the risk of exposure to certain chemicals contained in the hair products, such as phthalates, can cause serious cancers or uterine fibroids. These include uterine cancer, ovarian cancer and breast cancer.

• NIH Study of Hair Straightening Chemicals and Uterine Cancers

• Study of Hair Dye, Hair Straighteners and Breast Cancer Risk

• Chemical Hair Products and Ovarian Cancer Risks

Who is at Risk

It is estimated that up to 90% of black or brown women have used hair straightening applications, or chemical hair relaxers. It is common for women to use these products in combination, thus further exposing them to cancer risk.  Additionally, many women begin using hair straightening/relaxing products early on, even as teenagers.  This means years of chemical exposure, and that chemical exposure has led to uterine cancers and thus hair relaxer lawsuits.

The chemicals found in hair straighteners and relaxers may include endocrine-disrupting chemicals (called EDCS). These chemicals can interfere with your endocrine system and disrupt your hormone balance.

Phthalates are a commonly known type of EDC, and are also widely used in hair relaxants and chemical straightening products. Both uterine and breast cancer have been linked to women who have used phthalate-laden hair products.

For more than 40 years, I have been fighting large corporations to ensure they only place safe products on the market. The hair relaxer class action lawsuit is our way of making sure these companies check, re-check, and then again, check the safety of their products! If you’ve been diagnosed with uterine, breast or ovarian cancer, and have used a chemical hair straightener or relaxer, call me and I’ll Make Them Pay!®

What Are Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals?

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are substances that can interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system in humans. The endocrine system is responsible for regulating various bodily processes by releasing hormones into the bloodstream. EDCs can mimic, block, or interfere with the production, release, transport, metabolism, or elimination of hormones, leading to adverse effects on the endocrine system.

Specific Chemicals In Hair Relaxer Products

Hair straighteners and relaxers can contain several chemicals that have the potential to act as EDCs. Some specific examples include:

Phthalates

Phthalates are a group of chemicals commonly used as plasticizers in many consumer products, including hair straighteners and relaxers. They are known to disrupt the endocrine system and have been associated with reproductive abnormalities.

Parabens

Parabens are preservatives commonly used in cosmetic products, including hair straighteners and relaxers. They can mimic estrogen in the body and have been linked to hormone disruption, potentially affecting reproductive health.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a chemical used in some hair straightening and relaxing treatments. It can act as an EDC and has been associated with various health concerns, including respiratory issues, skin irritation, and potential carcinogenic effects.

Fragrances

Synthetic fragrances used in hair products, including straighteners and relaxers, often contain phthalates or other EDCs. Fragrance formulations are typically considered trade secrets, so the specific chemicals used may not be disclosed. However, some fragrance ingredients have been associated with hormone disruption.

Chemical Hair Straightener Lawsuit – Cancer Qualifications for Financial Compensation

Uterine Cancer

Uterine cancer, also known as endometrial cancer, is a malignancy that originates in the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. It is characterized by abnormal vaginal bleeding, particularly postmenopausal or irregular bleeding. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in hair straightener and relaxer products, such as phthalates and parabens, have been associated with hormone disruption. These EDCs can mimic or interfere with hormonal signals in the body, potentially affecting estrogen levels. Since estrogen plays a crucial role in the development and growth of uterine cancer, exposure to these chemicals may increase the risk of developing this particular cancer type.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a malignancy that forms in the breast tissues, typically starting in the milk ducts or lobules. It can manifest as a lump or thickening in the breast, changes in breast shape or size, or nipple abnormalities. Some chemicals present in hair straighteners and relaxers, including EDCs like phthalates, parabens, and certain fragrances, have been linked to hormone disruption and estrogenic effects. Estrogen is known to promote the growth of hormone receptor-positive breast cancers. The exposure to EDCs found in hair products may potentially contribute to an increased risk of developing breast cancer by disrupting hormonal balance and influencing estrogen levels.

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer refers to the development of cancerous cells in the ovaries, the female reproductive organs responsible for producing eggs. It is often difficult to detect in its early stages, and symptoms may include abdominal bloating, pelvic pain, changes in bowel habits, and frequent urination. Prolonged exposure to EDCs can potentially affect the balance of hormones involved in ovarian function. The exposure to such chemicals found in hair products may increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Treatment Of Cancers Resulting From Chemical Hair Straighteners

Surgery:

• Surgery is often used to remove cancerous tumors and surrounding tissues.
• Possible side effects can include pain, discomfort, bleeding, infection, and scarring.
• Effects on the patient’s day-to-day life may involve temporary limitations in mobility, changes in body image, and fatigue during the recovery period.

Radiation Therapy:

• Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and kill cancer cells.
• Possible side effects can include fatigue, skin irritation, hair loss (in the treatment area), and temporary changes in the treated area’s appearance.
• Effects on the patient’s day-to-day life may involve fatigue, skin sensitivity, and possible limitations in activities during treatment. These effects are typically temporary and resolve after treatment completion.

Chemotherapy:

• Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells throughout the body.
• Possible side effects can include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, changes in blood cell counts, and increased susceptibility to infections.
• Effects on the patient’s day-to-day life may involve fatigue, appetite changes, hair loss, and adjustments to daily activities due to the side effects experienced during treatment. Emotional well-being and psychological support are crucial aspects of managing the impact of chemotherapy.

Learning that you have cancer is worrisome and stressful. It is hard on you and your loved ones. Treatments provide hope, but even successful treatments involve a serious lifestyle change for all people involved. The fatigue and sickness that accompany treatment can effect your performance at work, and your excitement for activities you’ve always loved. If this has happened to you, or someone you love, you need to call me about the chemical hair straightener lawsuits.

Costs Associated With Treatments

Medical Treatment Costs:

Surgery: The cost of surgical procedures, including surgeon fees, anesthesia, hospital charges, and post-operative care.

Radiation Therapy: Radiation treatments, including treatment sessions, imaging tests, and consultations with radiation oncologists.

Chemotherapy: Expenses associated with chemotherapy drugs, administration, laboratory tests, and monitoring.

Targeted Therapy: Costs of targeted therapy drugs and any necessary laboratory tests.

Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy drugs and associated treatments.

Hormone Therapy: Hormone therapy medications and follow-up appointments.

Diagnostic and Monitoring Costs:

Biopsy: Charges for tissue sampling and pathology analysis to diagnose cancer.

Imaging Tests: Various imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, PET scans, and ultrasound examinations to monitor the progression of the disease.

Laboratory Tests: Expenses related to blood tests, genetic testing, tumor marker tests, and other diagnostic assessments.

Supportive Care Costs:

Medications: Expenses for pain management, anti-nausea medications, and other supportive medications.

Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation services to restore physical function and manage treatment-related side effects.

Counseling and Mental Health Services: Counseling, therapy sessions, or support groups to address emotional and psychological needs, all add additional costs to your care.

Home Care and Home Health Services: Home health aides, nursing care, or medical equipment needed during recovery or palliative care, all add up.

Palliative Care or Hospice Care: Costs associated with end-of-life care and support services.

Non-Medical Costs:

Transportation: Traveling to and from medical appointments, including fuel, parking fees, or public transportation. Or, in some cases, the need to hire someone who can take you to appointments.

Accommodation: Costs of lodging or accommodation for patients and their caregivers when traveling for treatment.

Caregiver Support: Expenses related to hiring professional caregivers or providing financial assistance to family members or friends who provide care.

Lost Income: Income lost due to reduced working hours, time off for treatment or recovery, or disability caused by the disease.

Especially when your need for treatment was caused by the irresponsibility of the manufacturer, you should not have to pay out of pocket to get proper care. The hair relaxer litigation is under way, so call me today, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are noncancerous growths that develop in the uterus. They are composed of smooth muscle cells and fibrous tissue. Uterine fibroids can vary in size, number, and location within the uterus. While many women with fibroids may not experience any symptoms, others may have heavy or prolonged menstrual periods, pelvic pain or pressure, frequent urination, or difficulty getting pregnant. Treatment options for uterine fibroids depend on the severity of symptoms and may include medication, noninvasive procedures, or surgery.

Other Possible Issues Caused By Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals

Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has been associated with various other diseases and health issues. If you have consistently used a hair relaxer or straightener, and have suffered from any of the following disorders, we need to talk. Here are several examples along with brief descriptions:

Reproductive disorders

EDCs can disrupt the normal functioning of the reproductive system, leading to infertility, impaired fertility in females, and reproductive organ abnormalities. They may interfere with hormone signaling, development, and function of reproductive tissues, potentially affecting fertility and reproductive outcomes.

Developmental disorders

Exposure to EDCs during critical periods of fetal development can lead to developmental disorders. These include neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), cognitive impairments, behavioral abnormalities, and physical malformations. They can also disrupt the normal hormonal signaling that is crucial for proper development of various organ systems.

Metabolic disorders

EDCs have been associated with metabolic disorders, including obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes. These chemicals can disrupt metabolic hormone signaling, interfere with lipid and glucose metabolism, and alter the regulation of appetite and satiety. This can contribute to metabolic dysfunction.

Thyroid disorders

Thyroid gland’s function and hormone production can be affected, leading to thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolism, growth, and development, and disruption of their normal function can have widespread effects on various bodily processes.

Immune system dysfunction

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals have the potential to disrupt immune system function, leading to immune system dysregulation, increased susceptibility to infections, allergies, and autoimmune diseases. These chemicals can interfere with the production, release, and activity of immune-related hormones and cytokines, affecting the immune response and overall immune system health.

Neurological disorders

Exposure has been linked to neurological disorders, including cognitive impairments, neurobehavioral disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. EDCs can interfere with normal brain development and function by disrupting hormone signaling, neurotransmitter balance, and neuronal connectivity, potentially contributing to neurological issues.

What to Do if You or a Loved One Has Suffered from Uterine Cancer, Fibroids, Breast Cancer or Ovarian Cancer

If you or a loved one were exposed to chemical hair straightening products at least four times in a one-year period, and were then diagnosed with uterine fibroids or cancer, call me today!  Specific cancers include: uterine, ovarian or breast cancer, or developed uterine fibroids that required surgery.

If using chemical-based hair products resulted in your cancer diagnosis, we will hold the responsible parties accountable. I will prove these negligent companies KNEW their products were harmful, and even intentionally targeted young women in advertising efforts while still failing to inform customers of the risks.

Call me today, I will be there for you, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®