Women who developed ovarian cancer using hair relaxers are filing lawsuits against L’Oreal and other companies for failing to warn them about the risk.
Need a Texas Ovarian 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 ovarian cancer after using hair relaxers or hair-straightening products, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
Women Are Filing Hair Relaxer Lawsuits Nationwide
L’Oreal and other major beauty companies are being hit by a growing number of lawsuits involving women who developed ovarian cancer after using hair relaxers.
What Are Hair Relaxers?
Hair relaxers are products that women use to straighten hair that is naturally curly. The most common hair relaxers are do-it-at-home kits or “touch up” products. Some women also go to salons for professional hair-straightening treatments.
In either case, the process involves applying strong chemicals to the hair to break down its natural structure. These chemicals may also create burns or lesions on the scalp, which could provide a pathway for toxic chemicals to be absorbed by the body.
What is the Problem?
The problem is that many hair relaxers may contain cancer-causing chemicals, such as formaldehyde, or endocrine-disrupting chemicals like phthalates or DEHP that can influence hormones like estrogen.
Health Problems Linked to Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals
In recent years, studies have found that endocrine-disrupting chemicals may be linked to higher rates of hormone-sensitive health issues, such as ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, breast cancer, endometriosis, and fibroids that must be treated with a hysterectomy.
Hair Relaxers Linked to 50% Increased Risk of Ovarian Cancer
In June 2021, a major study found that women who reported using hair relaxers were 50% more likely to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
For women who frequently used hair relaxers, the risk was even higher. Women who used hair relaxers at least 4 times per year (or every 3 months) were twice as likely to develop ovarian cancer compared to women who did not use hair relaxers.
The conclusions of the study were based on data from 40,559 women who participated in the Sister Study. After an average follow-up of 10 years, 241 women in the study were diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
The authors of the study warned that carcinogens and endocrine-disruptors in hair relaxers could be absorbed into the bloodstream, which may explain the increased risk of ovarian cancer. They warned:
“”Frequent use of hair straighteners/relaxers or pressing products, which are primarily used by African American/Black women, and possibly permanent hair dye, may be associated with the occurrence of ovarian cancers.”
The study was in the journal Carcinogenesis: “Use of hair products in relation to ovarian cancer risk”
Woman With Ovarian Cancer Files Hair Relaxer Lawsuit
In January 2023, a woman from Missouri who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer after nearly 20 years of using hair relaxers filed a lawsuit against L’Oreal and other beauty companies.
The woman, Tamara S., said she used a variety of hair relaxers, including: Dark & Lovely, Optimum, Motions, Organic Root Stimulator (ORS) Olive Oil Relaxer, Soft & Beautiful, TCB, and African Pride.
She used these products from 1991, at the age of 16 years old, until February 2010 when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at 35.
She required a hysterectomy, additional surgeries, and chemotherapy, which caused significant pain and suffering, medical expenses, emotional anguish, and other damages.
Her lawsuit was filed on January 11, 2023 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri — Case Number 4:23-cv-00023-LMC.
What is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer is caused by abnormal cells in that grow uncontrollably in the ovaries, which are a pair of reproductive organs that produce eggs and female hormones.
Signs & Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
The symptoms of ovarian cancer do not always appear in the early stages. If symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Pelvic or abdominal pain, swelling, pressure, or feeling of fullness
- Change in bathroom habits, like sudden or frequent urge to urinate (pee)
- A lump in the pelvic area
- Gastrointestinal problems (gas, bloating, constipation, etc.)
Need an Ovarian 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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