Dr. Weeks Comment: Beauty is within. Be, don’t do.
Hair dyes and contraception used by millions of women are linked to chemicals that can cause breast cancer
- Previous studies have pointed to hair dyes as a possible cause of breast cancer
- But the new Finnish research showed a positive correlation between them both
- Those who changed the colour of their hair had a 23% higher risk of the disease
- While users of hormonal contraceptives had a 52% greater chance of having it
By STEPHEN MATTHEWS FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 10 March 2017
Women who have dyed their hair or use hormonal contraception are at risk of breast cancer, scientists warn.
Changing the colour of locks has previously been linked to the disease, but a new study backs up the evidence.
Being exposed to carcinogenics in the dyes was linked to a 23 per cent chance of getting breast cancer.
Users of birth control methods such as the combined Pill and IUS coils could also face the same plight.
Post-menopausal women fitted with the latter have a 52 per cent greater chance of developing breast cancer.
And there is a 32 per cent increased risk for those who use the former hormonal-based contraceptive, Finnish researchers claim.
Changing the colour of their locks was linked to a 23 per cent increase in the risk of developing breast cancer, new research showed
The findings add to the growing body of evidence that progesterone-based birth control methods are a risk factor of breast cancer.
They are listed by Cancer Research UK alongside alcohol and being fat in the causes with ‘sufficient’ evidence to the disease.
Having high levels of the body’s own natural hormones also increases the risk of ovarian cancer and blood clots.
Research has shown certain ones such as oestrogen cause DNA mutations, leaving cells prone to turning cancerous. Progesterone is also known to fuel the growth of tumours.
DANGER CHEMICALS IN HAIR DYE
PPD (para-phenylenediamine)
This chemical is found in dark hair dyes – concentrations of up to six per cent are legal – and is easily absorbed through the skin on the scalp and the hands.
Lawsone
A naturally occurring chemical, found in henna at concentrations of between one and two per cent, but, none the less, one that is toxic, and can affect the kidneys, blood supply and stomach.
Ammoniated mercury
These have a bleaching action which enhances colour in the hair, but they can cause allergic reactions.
Peroxide
This breaks down the melanin in the shaft to lighten the hair. Can cause allergic reactions and can irritate the skin and lungs, but is not toxic.
Nonylphenol or octylphenol
Members of a group of chemicals which studies suggest are hormone disrupters and bioaccumulators. This means they can build up faster in body fat than they can be broken down.
Aniline dyes
Derived from coal tar and used in semi-permanent dyes. Can irritate eyes, skin and mucous membranes, or cause allergic reactions.
Both can be found in the combined Pill, but only a synthetic version of the latter exists in IUS coils.
The T-shaped devices work by releasing the hormone into the womb, thickening the mucus in cervix.
This in turn makes it more difficult for sperm to swim through and access the egg.
And previous studies have shown that women who regularly dye their hair are at risk of bladder, brain cancer and leukaemia.
British scientists once warned that the hair colouring kits used both at home and expensive salons pose a potential health risk.
It is believed that chemicals in permanent hair dyes react with other pollutants in the air to form tumours.
It is estimated that slightly more than a third of women regularly colour their hair, while much less use the IUS devices.
Experts from the University of Helsinki used survey data from around 8,000 breast cancer patients.
They were asked whether they had hormonal contraceptives or if they had ever dyed their hair.
The scientists then assessed to see whether or not there was a link between both factors and the risk of breast cancer.
However, the researchers say more research is needed on both items to truly assess their risk of breast cancer.
Dr Jasmine Just, Cancer Research UK’s health information officer, said: ‘There’s no convincing evidence that women who use hair dyes are at an increased risk of breast cancer.
‘But, there is clear evidence that the risk of breast cancer can be reduced through things like keeping a healthy weight, being more active and cutting down on alcohol.’