An estimated 66,570 people in the United States are diagnosed with uterine cancer every year. This accounts for roughly 3.5% of all cancer cases in the country. Like most forms of cancer, uterine cancer can be a debilitating and intimidating illness that can not only ruins a person’s health but can negatively affect almost every aspect of their life.
Studies have recently been published that indicate that uterine cancer is suffered at a higher rate among those who utilize chemical hair relaxers and straighteners. These products utilize strong chemicals that break down the structure of naturally curly hairs so they straighten and lie flat.
A large number of hair relaxer lawsuits have been fired as a result of this new evidence connecting the use of these products to uterine cancer. If you have a history of using chemical hair relaxers or straighteners then you should be aware of the signs and symptoms of uterine cancer since you are likely at increased risk.
What is Uterine Cancer?
Uterine cancer is a form of cancer that afflicts the uterus and like all cancer is characterized by rampant uncontrolled cell growth that puts you health at risk. Uterine cancer can actually consist of one of two specific types.
Endometrial Cancer: The endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus and is one of the possible uterine regions that can be afflicted with cancer. It is among the more common gynecologic cancers and poses serious consequences for reproductive health even when caught early.
Uterine Sarcoma: The myometrium is the muscle wall of the uterus and can also be the site of uterine cancer. However, uterine sarcomas are considered to be fairly rare, especially in comparison to endometrial cancer. Uterine sarcomas are also more difficult to treat than endometrial cancer.
Technically anyone with a uterus is at risk of developing endometrial cancer although there are some factors like chemical hair relaxer use that can increase risk. These factors include:
- Chemical hair relaxer and straightener use
- Advanced age
- Menopause
- Obesity
- Family history of cancer
- Type 2 diabetes
- Diet high in animal fat
- Radiation therapy
- Use of supplementary estrogen
- Difficulty with pregnancy
- Tamoxifen use
Typical Signs and Symptoms of Uterine Cancer
Catching uterine cancer early can dramatically increase someone’s odds of recovery. The earlier the diagnosis of uterine cancer, the more effective the treatment and the more options for treatment available. If the aforementioned risk factors apply to you then you should keep an eye out for any of the following signs and symptoms.
- Unusual Vaginal bleeding
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting between periods as well as during or after menopause
- Unusual vaginal discharge (thin white or clear)
- Heavy, prolonged, or frequent vaginal bleeding after 40
- Lower abdominal pain in the pelvis
- Abnormal results from a PAP test
It is important to note that these symptoms are not absolute indicators of uterine cancer. However, they should never be ignored. If any of these symptoms apply to you then it is in your best interest to seek out the expert opinion and diagnosis of a physician.
Treatment of Uterine Cancer
Cancer conjures a great deal of fear regarding one’s mortality but this does not have to be the case with uterine cancer. Left unaddressed, uterine cancer can progress to a point where it is fatal but early detection and treatment can cure it. Treatment of uterine cancer, like with most cancers, can be complicated. Each case is distinct with different treatment requirements.
Uterine cancer treatment typically consists of a hysterectomy where the uterus is surgically removed in order to prevent the cancer from spreading. Other treatments that may be used include:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Hormone Therapy
- Targeted Therapy
- Lymph node removal
Uterine Cancer Has Been Linked to Chemical Hair Relaxer Use
Hair relaxers are known to contain powerful chemicals and suspicions of their danger have existed for some time. It was not until recently that these suspicions have been confirmed through a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. The researchers of this study utilized data gathered from more than 33,000 women that rook part in the Sister Study that looked for risk factors for cancer.
The study found that women who reported using chemical hair straightening products were twice as likely to have developed uterine cancer compared to women who did not. Women in the study that reported using chemical hair straighteners more than 4 times a year were found to be twice as likely to develop uterine cancer.
Why Choose Dolman Law for Your Chemical Haor Straightener Lawsuit?
When you choose Dolman Law Group to represent your interests when filing a product liability lawsuit you are not only gaining award-winning legal representation but an ally invested in the outcome of your case. Choosing Dolman Law Group for a hair relaxer lawyer means that you get experienced legal counsel that can provide insight as to what strategy is best to get you the maximum amount of compensation from a settlement or case award.
Our product liability lawyers are experienced in handling cases involving a myriad of products ranging from dangerous medications to defective baby formula. We can assist you like we have so many others and provide results that have given us a reputation as one of the top personal injury firms in the country.
Contact Dolman Law Group for Help With Your Chemical Hair Relaxer Lawsuit
If you or a loved one have developed uterine cancer after long-term use of chemical hair straighteners then do not hesitate to contact Dolman Law Group about potentially filing a hair straightener lawsuit. Our chemical hair straightener lawyers are now accepting cases seeking compensation for damages caused by uterine cancer and can help you determine what course of action is right for you.
Dolman Law Group offers free consultations to prospective clients curious about filing a hair relaxer lawsuit and how our hair relaxer lawyers can help. Reach out to us today to find out why our firm is known as one of the top litigators of dangerous products across the country.