Abstract 5290: My crown or my health: Black women's knowledge of breast cancer and hair product-related risk

Abstract

Abstract Introduction/Purpose: Black women now have higher breast cancer (BC) incidence and mortality than White women. They also use more hair products containing hormonally-active chemicals. Studies are beginning to link chemical ingredients in these products to BC risk. Little is known about community knowledge of BC and the potential association with hair product-related risk. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hazard level of hair products used by Black women, and assess their knowledge about BC and hair product-related risks. Methodology: We employed principles of community-based participatory research and conducted the study through partnership between community advocates and university scientists. We collected hair products from locations frequented by Black women and hair stylists and used the Environmental Working Group's Skindeep© database to evaluate ingredient toxicity. We then explored knowledge of BC and hair product-related risk using a 41-item survey. Survey data were analyzed using SPSS. Results: All 54 products evaluated contained hazardous ingredients. Fourteen of the ingredients had an overall high hazard rating between 7-10, with 10 indicating very high levels of toxicity. The potential harmful effects of these chemicals include cancer, endocrine disruption and reproductive system toxicant. Survey data showed most women (62%) in the sample had a college or graduate degree. Participants (n=211) were more knowledgeable about the diagnosis and treatment of BC (46.3%), lifestyle-related risk factors (59.6%), and genetic risk factors (54.9%) than about hair product risk (40.8%). Conclusion: Several hair products frequently used by black women contained ingredients that have potential links to BC. Though the women in this study were highly educated, they had limited knowledge about the association between BC and toxins found in hair products. Research should further clarify the link between hair products and BC risk. As knowledge is evolving, given our emerging risk understanding, health educators and community advocates can promote efforts for women to learn more about exposure reduction to help them make informed decisions about the risk beauty product chemicals may hold regarding cancer. There is also a need for policies on personal care products that aim to protect the health of our communities. Citation Format: Dede Teteh, Phyllis Clark, Lenna Dawkins-Moultin, Rick Kittles, Susanne Montgomery. My crown or my health: Black women's knowledge of breast cancer and hair product-related risk [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5290.