Hair Dyes and Relaxers Linked to Significant Cancer Risk

It is hard being a woman in a society that disapproves of aging women and favors straight hair. In fact, coloring and straightening hair is regarded as professional, good grooming, or taking care of yourself. But at what a costa new study shows hair dyes and relaxers are significantly associated with breast cancer. . . especially for black women.

(Eberle et al., 2019) showed the results of a study that tracked more than 45,000 women over eight years. Black women who regularly used permanent hair dyes had a 60 percent higher chance of developing breast cancer than black women who did not. White women had an 8 percent higher chance.

Compare the content of these news reports to the study which they report. The findings mentioned in both articles are based on the . Pay particular attention to who is eligible for inclusion in the Sisters Study.

a. Study:

Schatzkin, A., Lanza, E., Corle, D., Lance, P., Iber, F., Caan, B., Shike, M., Weissfeld, J., Burt, R., Cooper, M. R., Kikendall, J. W., & Cahill, J. (2000). Lack of effect of a low-fat, high-fiber diet on the recurrence of colorectal adenomas. Polyp Prevention Trial Study Group. The New England Journal of Medicine, 342(16), 11491155.

Background.We tested the hypothesis that counseling and a high-fiber dietary regime can inhibit the development of recurrent colorectal adenomas (polyp), which are precursors of most large-bowel cancers.
Methods.Werandomly assigned 2079 men and womenwho were 35 years of age or older and who had had one or more histologically confirmed colorectal adenomas removed within six months before randomization to one of two groups:

1) anexperimental group was given intensive counseling and assigned to follow a diet that was low in fat (20 percent of total calories) and high in fiber (18 g of dietary fiber per 1000 kcal) and fruits and vegetables (3.5 servings per 1000 kcal), and

2)a control groupwas given a standard brochure on healthy eating and assigned to follow their usual diet.

Subjects entered the study after undergoing complete colonoscopy and removal of adenomatous polyps; they remained in the study for approximately four years, undergoing colonoscopy one and four years after randomization.

Results.1905of the randomized subjects (91.6 percent) completed the study. Of these 958subjects in the experimental group and 947subjects in the control group who completed the study,39.7 percent and 39.5 percent, respectively, had at least one recurrent adenoma.

Conclusions.Adopting a diet that is low in fat and high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables does not influence the risk of recurrence of colorectal adenomas. (N Engl J Med 2000; 342:1149-55.)

What is being tested here?
What was the frequency of the effect in the experimental group? Control Group?
What was the difference in the frequency of the effect?
Is the difference statistically significant? Explain your answer

Full Answer Section

       
  • Target Audience: Scientists, healthcare professionals, and researchers.

Analyzing the Scientific Study

What is being tested here? The study is testing the hypothesis that a low-fat, high-fiber diet can reduce the recurrence of colorectal adenomas.

Frequency of the Effect:

  • Experimental Group: 39.7% of participants had at least one recurrent adenoma.
  • Control Group: 39.5% of participants had at least one recurrent adenoma.

Difference in Frequency: The difference in the frequency of recurrent adenomas between the two groups is very small (0.2%).

Statistical Significance: To determine if the difference is statistically significant, researchers typically use statistical tests like the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. However, the article doesn't explicitly state the statistical significance of the difference.

Given the small difference between the two groups, it's unlikely that the difference is statistically significant. A statistically significant difference would mean that the observed difference is unlikely to be due to chance.

Conclusion: The news reports accurately reflect the findings of the scientific study, highlighting the potential link between hair dye use and breast cancer risk, particularly among Black women. However, it's important to note that correlation does not equal causation. Further research is needed to establish a definitive causal relationship.

Regarding the scientific study, the results suggest that a low-fat, high-fiber diet may not significantly reduce the risk of colorectal adenoma recurrence. While a healthy diet is important for overall health, more research is needed to identify specific dietary interventions that can effectively prevent colorectal cancer.

Sample Answer

       

Comparing News Reports and Scientific Studies

News Report:

  • Focus: The potential link between hair dye and breast cancer, particularly among Black women.
  • Source of Information: A study published in a scientific journal.
  • Target Audience: General public.

Scientific Study:

  • Focus: The impact of a low-fat, high-fiber diet on the recurrence of colorectal adenomas.
  • Source of Information: A peer-reviewed scientific journal.