Lawsuits have been filed by women who claim that chemicals in hair relaxers caused them to develop endometrial cancer and other severe, life-threatening health problems.
Need a Texas Endometrial Cancer Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you were diagnosed with endometrial cancer after using hair relaxers, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
UPDATE: Woman With Endometrial Cancer Files Hair Relaxer Lawsuit
In January 2023, yet another woman with endometrial cancer filed a hair relaxer lawsuit against L’Oreal and other beauty companies. The lawsuit was filed by Alicia S., a woman from Ohio who used hair relaxers from 1989 until 2020, including Dark & Lovely, Motions, and Designer Touch. She was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in 2019, despite no family history of uterine cancer.
The hair relaxer cancer lawsuit was filed on January 10, 2023 against L’Oreal, SoftSheen-Carson, Strength of Nature, Godrej and Luster Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio (Eastern Division) — Case Number 1:23-cv-00048-CAB.
Endometrial Cancer Lawsuit Filed Against L’Oreal
In December 2022, a woman who was diagnosed with endometrial cancer filed a lawsuit against L’Oreal and Soft Sheen-Carson, blaming Dark & Lovely Hair Relaxers.
The plaintiff, LaDonna M., said she first used Dark & Lovely to straighten her hair in 1986, at the age of 9 years old, and continued to use the product routinely until 2007.
In June 2022, at the age of 36, she was diagnosed with endometrial cancer and soon underwent a full hysterectomy.
In her lawsuit, she blames L’Oreal and Soft Sheen-Carson for failing to warn her about the health risks of being exposed to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in Dark & Lovely Hair Relaxers.
Her lawsuit was filed on December 12, 2022 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (Eastern Division) — Case Number 1:22-cv-06978
What is Endometrial Cancer?
Endometrial cancer occurs when cells in the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus) grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. Endometrial cancer is the most common type of uterine cancer. About 65,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with uterine cancer every year, and 90% of them have endometrial cancer.
Black Woman Twice as Likely to Die of Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancer is becoming more common for Black women. Tragically, Black women are nearly twice as likely to die of endometrial cancer compared to white women.
Young black women are also more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive, advanced-stage tumors, according to a study investigating the racial disparities in young women with endometrial cancer.
Study Links Hair Relaxers and Endometrial Cancer
In October 2022, a major study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reported that women who used hair relaxers were twice as likely to be diagnosed with uterine cancer.
The findings of the study are important for Black women, because they are far more likely to use hair relaxers, according to researchers.
“Because Black women use hair straightening or relaxer products more frequently and tend to initiate use at earlier ages than other races and ethnicities, these findings may be even more relevant for them,” said study author Che-Jung Chang, Ph.D.
The NIH researchers also warned that toxic chemicals in hair relaxers could be absorbed through the scalp, which may be exacerbated by burns and lesions that often occur during hair relaxing treatments.
What is the Risk?
Hair relaxers may contain carcinogens or endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as parabens, phthalates, Bisphenol A (BPA), metals, and formaldehyde. This could be contributing to the uterine cancer risk, as well as other hormone-sensitive health issues.
Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancer does not always cause symptoms, especially in the early stages. If symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Spotting in between periods or after menopause
- Discharge
- Pelvic pain, pressure, or swelling
- Abnormal Pap test
- Pain during urination
- Pain during sexual intercourse
Endometrial Cancer Surgery — Having a Hysterectomy
Endometrial cancer typically requires treatment with a hysterectomy, which is a surgery to remove the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and sometimes other tissues. Having a hysterectomy can have a significant emotional and physical impact on a woman. Young women will enter menopause and they will be unable to become pregnant.
Lawsuits Seek Compensation for Physical & Emotional Damages
In recent lawsuits involving endometrial cancer from hair relaxers, women are seeking compensation for their physical pain, emotional suffering, medical treatment, long-term care, lost income, decreased quality of life, and more.
Need an Endometrial Cancer Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years of experience, participation in over 600 jury trials, and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our law firm for a free case review.
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