Recent studies have found those who use chemical hair relaxers more than four times per year are more than 2.5x more likely to develop uterine cancer. Hair relaxers are sold on shelves and online to women all over the United States as a way to help straighten their hair. However, according to a study published in 2022, a link has been discovered between women who regularly use chemical hair relaxer products and cancer. If you or a loved one has developed cancer after using certain chemical hair straightening products, you may qualify for a legal claim against the product manufacturer. To learn more information, contact our law firm today to receive a free case review. 

How Was the Cancer Risk Discovered?

In the last 20 years, more and more studies have popped up surrounding the harmful risks behind the frequent use of chemical hair relaxers. A National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIH) funded study published in October 2022, known as the Sister Study, discovered a link between women who regularly used chemical hair relaxer products and uterine cancer. According to the study, the participants who used the chemical hair relaxers were at an elevated risk of developing endometrial cancer and or uterine sarcoma.

Who Is at Risk?

According to a 2012 study of more than 22,000 African-American women showed an association between the use of relaxers and the risk of uterine leiomyomata. In this study, the frequency of the disease was reported to be 2 to 3 times higher in African-Americans than in Caucasian women.

A more recent study published in 2022 also warned that the negative health impacts correlated with using relaxers had the potential to impact Black and/or African American women more than women who identify with other races and ethnicities "...adverse health effects associated with straightener use could be more consequential for African American and/or Black women because of the higher prevalence and frequency of hair product use, younger age of initiating use, and harsher chemical formulations than other races and ethnicities." 

The same study also reported those who are frequent users of hair relaxers are more than 2x as likely to develop ovarian cancer. If you are a frequent user of hair relaxers, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. For more information, complete our case evaluation form to connect with a Morgan & Morgan class action attorney.

What Are Some of the Symptoms?

Those who have used chemical hair relaxers may be at risk for developing ovarian, endometrial cancer, or uterine sarcoma. According to the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, the signs of ovarian cancer can include the following:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding after menopause
• Bloating or swollen feeling in the stomach
• Feeling full very soon after starting to eat
• New urinary frequency
• New constipation or other changes in bowel movements
• Discomfort or pain in the pelvic area, abdomen, or lower back
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss

Early signs of endometrial cancer can include the following:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding, including significant changes in menstrual cycle or bleeding between periods
• Pain in the pelvic area
• Any vaginal bleeding or spotting after menopause

Signs of uterine sarcoma can include the following:

• Bleeding or discharge not related to your periods 
• Postmenopausal bleeding
• Difficult or painful urination
• Pain during intercourse
• Pain and/or mass in the pelvic area

If you or a loved one have experienced or exhibited any of the previously listed symptoms, do not wait to seek attention from a medical professional. Speaking with a medical professional can help you understand your symptoms and accurately diagnose your illness or refer you to a specialist to seek proper treatment. 

What Products Are Included in the Lawsuit?

Hair relaxer products or brands that may contain harmful cancer-causing chemicals include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Motions, 
• Dark & Lovely, 
• Soft & Beautiful, 
• Optimum Care, 
• Creme of Nature, 
• Just for Me, 
• Carson Soft Sheen,
• Olive Oil

Both at-home products and salon-use products both qualify for a lawsuit. Your local supermarket, drug store, or even your favorite online stores may be carrying one or more of the hair relaxers products. For more information on which products are included in the lawsuit, contact one of our class action attorneys today.

Who Can Participate in a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?

Thousands of women may be eligible to file a claim today. If you or a loved one have used a chemical hair relaxer and have developed a form of uterine or ovarian cancer or have suffered an injury due to the use of chemical hair relaxers, you may be eligible to participate in a lawsuit. For more information behind the hair relaxer lawsuits, or if you have questions regarding your eligibility to file a claim, do not wait to contact a Morgan & Morgan attorney today.

Our Team Is Ready To Help You

At Morgan & Morgan we believe corporations just be held liable for negligently releasing products loaded with harmful chemicals. For over 35 years we've helped countless clients win back over 20 billion in compensation and we want to help you too. If you have suffered an injury or have been diagnosed with cancer after using a chemical hair relaxer, contact us today for a free legal consultation.