Why hairdressers and beauticians are at increased risk of ovarian cancer

Long-term work in the clothing industry is associated with an 85% increased risk of developing the disease, while work in sales or retail is associated with an increased risk of 45% and 59%, respectively.

Barbers, beauticians, and weavers are among the occupations that may be associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer, according to a study published in the journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine. Those who work in sales, retail, apparel and construction are potentially at risk due to cumulative impact* substances such as talc and ammonia, propellants, gasoline and bleaches.

Environmental factors, including those associated with the workplace, may increase the risk, but researchers report that relatively few studies have assessed occupational risks faced by women.

Researchers from the Universities of Montreal in Canada and Paris-Saclay studied participants aged 18 to 79 who were referred to seven hospitals in Montreal, Canada between 2010 and 2016 after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

The researchers compared data from 491 women by age and location with 897 women who did not have ovarian cancer. All participants collected information about social and demographic background, medical history, prescription drugs, reproductive history, weight and height, lifestyle factors, and employment history. The participants also mentioned their work experience and the main tasks they performed.

It was found that working for ten or more years in hairdressing and beauty salons was associated with a threefold increase in the risk of ovarian cancer.

Similar long-term work in the clothing industry was associated with an increased risk of developing the disease by 85%, and work in sales or retail with an increased risk of 45% and 59%, respectively.

General increased risk by more than 40% was observed at high exposure (eight years or more) 18 different agents, including talc, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, synthetic fibers, polyester fibers, organic dyes and pigments, cellulose, formaldehyde, propellants, chemicals found in gasoline and bleach.

* The ability of a substance, with prolonged exposure to the body, to cause a gradual accumulation of signs of poisoning in it, often ending in death.

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