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Jeanne Davis asks Cancer Research UK: DOES HAIR DYE
CAUSE CANCER?
“We don’t really know the
answer to this yet”, reports Cancer
Research UK. Some research has indicated there
may be an increased risk of bladder cancer, while
other research has suggested that there isn’t.
The problem with current knowledge is
that it’s just too limited. Some studies
have considered different types of dyes and others haven’t covered the range. Some studies are thought to have been too small to
show up any small increase in risk. At the
moment it is impossible to completely rule out hair dye as a possible contributing cause
of bladder cancer. But at the same time there
isn’t enough evidence to absolutely prove such a link exists.
Which type of hair dye?
There is no evidence at all that
semi-permanent or wash-out hair dyes are
linked with bladder cancer. The concern
centres on permanent hair dyes that contain
oxidative chemicals to bleach the hair, such as hydrogen peroxide.
There have been two large and
well-conducted studies investigating hair dye and bladder cancer, and these have produced
conflicting results. The first, from the
American Cancer Society study, conducted in 1982, did not find any association between
bladder cancer and hair dye use.
The second, from Los Angeles, reported in February 2001 that long-term, regular
use of permanent hair dye could increase the risk of developing bladder cancer. This study estimates that risk may increase by two
if hair dye is used monthly for more than fifteen years. The
researchers found the risk was highest in smokers who regularly used hair dyes. Smoking is a recognised risk factor for bladder
cancer.
 Evidence on other cancers
The American Cancer Society study
looked at other types of cancer, apart from bladder cancer. They found that using black dye for more than ten
years was associated with a very small increase in risk of death from multiple myeloma. Using
black or dark brown dye for more than ten years was associated with a very small increase
in risk of death from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
But it is important to remember that
this is only one study. And these were very
small differences indeed for such a large study. The
researchers concluded that, if there was any risk at all, it was unlikely to be a major
factor.
After the Los Angeles study was
published in 2001, an EEC body called The Scientific Committee on Cosmetic and Non-Food
Products representing consumers asked the hair dye industry to provide evidence that its
products are safe. The Committee later
criticised the industry for failing to do this.
The link with bladder cancer
Information is emerging about how
hair dye might affect bladder cancer risk. Small
amounts of chemicals called arylamines are absorbed through the skin when hair dyes are
used. The arylamines are made harmless and
removed from the body through the urine, so they come into contact with the bladder.
 The most recent piece of research has suggested
that our genetic makeup affects the way we deal with arylamines. We have genes that make proteins called enzymes,
which make the chemicals harmless before they are excreted from
the body. Some people have genes that make
‘fast’ versions of these enzymes and others have ‘slow’ versions. Those with ‘slow’ versions may be at an
increased risk of developing bladder cancer if they use hair dyes very often over a long
period of time. But no one as yet can identify
who has fast or slow enzymes.
How to reduce the risk
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Another permanent hair colouring that covers all grey and is free of
ammonia and resorcinol, comes from the company Hints of Nature. They
produce a wide range of colours and also sell companion shampoos and conditioners. To get their catalogue either email:
sales@herbuk.com or ring 01202 447188
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A vast industry is out there to help with all and every beauty concern. In
this column every month laterlife.com will report on ideas and products, old and
new. The practical results of everything from creamy cleansers to mud baths will be
brought to you. All with the focus on maturity of course.
