Do These Hair Treatments Increase The Risk Of Cancer?

2024 Author: Steven Freeman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 08:15

A new study reveals that using permanent hair dyes could increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Research from the National Institutes of Health revealed that women who use permanent or chemical dyes to straighten hair may have a higher risk of breast cancer than women who do not use these products.

Scientists found that the risk of developing this type of cancer was higher among women who underwent these beauty treatments frequently.

"Researchers have studied the possible link between hair dye and cancer for a long time, but the results have been inconsistent," said Alexandra White, one of the researchers. "In our study, we see an increased risk of breast cancer associated with the use of hair dyes."

However, the study, published in the International Journal of Cancer, found that there is "little to no additional risk" of developing breast cancer among women using semi-permanent or temporary dyes. The study looked at the cases of 46,709 women and found that women who used permanent hair dyes were 9 percent more likely to develop breast cancer than those who did not.

The results are even more alarming for African American women. In this group, using permanent dyes every 5 to 8 weeks (or more often) resulted in a 60 percent increased risk of getting breast cancer compared to white women.

The study also looked at the link between using hair straighteners and breast cancer. According to research, women who use hair straightening chemicals every 5 to 8 weeks have a 30 percent higher risk of getting breast cancer than those who don't.

Dale Sandler, another study author, admitted that there was no single factor in determining a woman's risk of getting breast cancer, but it was advisable to stop using permanent hair dyes. "Avoiding these chemicals can be more than women can do to reduce their risk of getting breast cancer," she emphasized.