Congresswoman Brown Joins Congresswoman Clarke to Introduce the Uterine Cancer Study Act

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) joined Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) to announce the Uterine Cancer Study Act. Congresswoman Brown is a co-lead on the legislation, which was filed by Congresswoman Clarke with 27 cosponsors. 

Video: Clarke/Brown Press Conference Announcing Legislation 

The Uterine Cancer Study Act requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institute of Health (NIH) to coordinate and conduct a study on the relationship between hair straighteners and uterine cancer. Recent studies have discovered that women who used chemical hair straightening products were at higher risk for uterine cancer than those who had not – risks associated with and particularly higher in Black women.  

Each year, more than 60,000 women are diagnosed with uterine cancer in the United States and more than 13,000 die from cancers of the uterus. According to the American Cancer Society, incidence and mortality rates for uterine cancer are increasing.   

"The research supported by the Uterine Cancer Study Act is sorely needed to identify environmental and chemical factors contributing to the racial disparities associated with uterine cancer. By investigating the connection between those factors and cancer, we can create a path toward more informed choices and better health outcomes for Black women. I am proud to join Congresswoman Clarke and champion this vital legislation," said Congresswoman Shontel Brown.   

The full text of the legislation is available here. 

In May, Congresswoman Brown introduced The Uterine Fibroid Intervention and Gynecological Health and Treatment Act (U-FIGHT Act), legislation to encourage a new federal grant program for the detection and treatment of uterine fibroids.  

Last year, Congresswoman Brown wrote to the FDA calling for an investigation into chemical hair straightening products and the risk they pose to public health. Following Brown’s letter, the FDA announced a proposed rule banning formaldehyde in hair products. Last month, Brown wrote to the FDA again requesting information on the timeline for this rule’s implementation.  

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