Use of Hair Products in Relation to Ovarian Cancer Risk

In a study of 40,559 women aged 35-74 without prior ovarian cancer or bilateral oophorectomy, researchers investigated the relationship between hair product use and ovarian cancer incidence over an average follow-up of 10 years. The study found that general use of hair products in the past year did not increase ovarian cancer risk. However, frequent use (more than 4 times a year) of hair straighteners/relaxers or pressing products was linked to a higher risk of ovarian cancer, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 2.19. Additionally, the use of permanent hair dye was associated with an increased risk of non-serous ovarian tumors (HR = 1.94) but a decreased risk of serous tumors (HR = 0.65). These findings suggest a potential risk associated with certain hair products, particularly among African American/Black women who are the primary users of straighteners/relaxers.