Hair dyes and straighteners may raise breast cancer risks for black women, a new study finds. This isn't the first time experts have argued about the possibility of dyes and straighteners contributing to cancer for black women.
Hair dyes and straighteners may raise breast cancer risk for black women, a new study finds
After decades of arguments between experts on the link between dyes and cancer in black women, government investigators have come out with a worrying new possibility. The new study found that 60 per cent of black women who regularly dyed their hair were more likely to get cancer compared to other black women who didn't.
However, compared with white women who used dye, there was no observation of a significant increase in risk. The reason for this isn't clear yet, but there are suggestions currently. It may be for the simple reason that these products are prepared differently for black and white women. Also, the difference in the texture of hair may be causing black women to use more of the dye on their hair, thereby having their skin soaking up more products.
Is the study conclusive?
Meanwhile, the new study also found another possibility that affects both white and black women equally. It found a 30 per cent increase in the risk of breast cancer in women of all races who regularly use a straightener for their hair. Also, the research found that black women were more likely to use straighteners than white women. Still, many experts say that the analysis doesn't prove that hair treatments cause breast cancer, and possible risks for black women are hard to know. Out of the people who took part in the study, only 10 per cent were black women, tracked for eight years on average.
However, scientists advise that for a safer approach, reducing the use of these products is a great place to start. “Our advice is that if you want to take a cautionary approach, limiting the use of these types of products is warranted,” said Robin Dodson, a research scientist at the Silent Spring Institute.
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