Could The Use Of Personal Care Oils In Black Women Contribute To Recent Findings Of An Increased Risk Of Breast Cancer In This Population?

A recent study indicated that permanent hair dye use was linked to a 45% increased risk of breast cancer in black women, compared to a 7% increase in white women. Additionally, the use of chemical straighteners was associated with an 18% increased risk, rising to 31% with frequent use. The study did not address the use of hair oils, which are commonly used by black women and contain phytoestrogens that may disrupt endocrine function. Previous research has shown that some personal care products used by black women exhibit estrogenic activity. The authors suggest that the combined use of phytoestrogen-containing products and hair treatments may contribute to the higher breast cancer risk observed in black women, warranting further investigation into the role of phytoestrogens in these products.