In the News: Sobecki discusses cancer risk and hair straighteners

Recent research found that using chemical hair straighteners or relaxers may be linked to an increased risk of uterine cancer. Janelle Sobecki, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, spoke with several media outlets during Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month to share the research and help people recognize common signs and symptoms of uterine cancer. 

Chemical hair straighteners could lead to uterine cancer among frequent users, study finds – WISC-TV News / Channel 3000 

“If you have been a frequent user of chemical hair straighteners, it's important to monitor yourself for signs of uterine cancer. Sobecki said the most common symptom is vaginal bleeding after menopause. 

"If that happens at all, even one time one day, that absolutely warrants a call to a healthcare provider," Sobecki said. "That is the best way for uterine cancer to be caught early."” 

New study links chemical hair straightening products to increased cancer risk – CBS 58  

Study shows increase in uterine cancer rates among women may correlate with hair straightening products – WSAW-TV 

Hair Relaxer are being linked to Uterine Cancer – WAOW-TV 

Earlier this year, Sobecki also presented a Healthy Women Community Talk about chemical hair straighteners and uterine cancer risk. Sobecki was joined by Che-Jung Chang, PhD, a National Institutes of Health researcher and lead author on the study about chemical hair straighteners. 

Watch the whole Healthy Women Community Talk here!