Can Permanent Hair Dyes and Chemical Hair Straighteners Raise Breast Cancer Risk? Expert Weighs In
As the beauty and cosmetic industry continues to expand, the safety of certain hair care and styling products has come under scrutiny due to potential health risks. A 2019 study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), published in the International Journal of Cancer, highlighted a concerning link between the use of permanent hair dyes and chemical hair straighteners and an increased risk of breast cancer.
The study revealed that women who used hair straighteners every five to eight weeks had a 30% higher risk of developing breast cancer. Similarly, those using permanent hair dyes faced a 9% increased risk compared to non-users.
With the widespread use of these products, understanding their potential health impacts is essential. Dr. Pritam Kataria, Consultant in Medical Oncology at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, sheds light on how certain ingredients in hair products may contribute to breast cancer risk:
1.Endocrine-Disrupting Compounds (EDCs) and Carcinogens: Hair products often contain substances that can interfere with the body’s hormonal system. EDCs can mimic or block hormones, potentially leading to cancer. Carcinogens, on the other hand, can damage DNA or disrupt normal cellular processes, increasing cancer risk.
2.Resorcinol in Hair Dyes: This ingredient can disrupt hormone function and may also trigger allergic reactions.
3.Formaldehyde in Keratin Straighteners: Found in high concentrations in some keratin treatments, formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen.
Dr. Kataria emphasizes, however, that these findings do not definitively prove that hair dyes or straighteners directly cause breast cancer. Numerous other factors, including environment, lifestyle, and family history, also play a role in breast cancer development.
While these insights underline the importance of cautious use, further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between these products and cancer risk.
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