Scientists find cancer-linked chemicals in popular hair extensions

By Sola Charles 

A new investigation  has found dozens of potentially harmful chemicals in widely sold hair extensions, including those made from human hair. The findings represent the most detailed chemical review so far of this largely unregulated beauty product category. 

Researchers say the results add strong evidence that hair extensions may pose health risks, particularly for black women, who use these products at much higher rates.

The study published in the American Chemical Society journal Environment & Health comes at a time of growing concern about the long term health effects of hair extensions. 

More than 70 percent of black women report wearing hair extensions at least once in the past year, compared with fewer than 10 percent of women from other racial and ethnic groups. Extensions are often worn for cultural expression, personal style, and convenience.

"While prior reports have found some chemicals of concern in hair extensions, there's still much we don't know about their overall chemical makeup. We wanted to get a better picture of the extent of the problem. This is an industry that has long overlooked the health of black women, who should not have to choose between cultural expression, convenience, and their health," says lead author Dr. Elissia Franklin, a research scientist at Silent Spring Institute.

Hair extensions are produced from synthetic fibers or bio-based materials, including human hair. Manufacturers frequently treat these fibers with chemicals to make them flame resistant, waterproof, or antimicrobial.

"Yet, companies rarely disclose the chemicals used to achieve these properties, leaving consumers in the dark about the health risks from prolonged wear," says Franklin. 

Because the fibers rest directly against the scalp and neck, wearers may experience extended skin contact. When extensions are heated during styling, they can also release chemicals into the air that users may inhale.

To better understand what these products contain, Franklin purchased 43 popular hair extension brands from online retailers and local beauty supply stores. The team grouped the products by fiber type, synthetic (mostly plastic polymers) or bio-based (including human, banana or silk), and documented the claims listed on their packaging. 

Among the synthetic products, 19 claimed to be flame retardant, three were labeled water resistant, nine advertised heat resistance, and three promoted "green" claims such as "no PVC" or "non-toxic."

Researchers then applied a method known as non-targeted analysis to search for a broad array of chemicals, including substances not typically screened in consumer goods. 

Using two-dimensional gas chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry, they detected more than 900 chemical signatures, representing both known and previously unidentified compounds. Machine-learning tools compared those signatures with an extensive chemical database, allowing the team to identify 169 chemicals spanning nine major structural classes.

The testing uncovered numerous substances associated with cancer, hormone disruption, developmental harm, and immune system effects. These included flame retardants, phthalates, pesticides, styrene, tetrachloroethane, and organotins.

All but two of the 43 samples contained hazardous chemicals. The only two without detected hazards were labeled as "non-toxic" or "toxic-free."

A total of 48 identified chemicals appear on major hazard lists, including 12 listed under California's Proposition 65 for causing cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm. Four different flame retardants were detected in both synthetic and bio-based products.

No less than 17 chemicals connected to breast cancer were found in 36 samples, including compounds known to disrupt hormones in ways that may increase risk. Nearly 10 percent of products contained toxic organotins, in some cases at levels exceeding health-based limits set in the European Union, where these chemicals are regulated.

"We were especially surprised to find organotins. These are commonly used as heat stabilizers in PVC and have been linked with skin irritation, which is a common complaint among hair extension users." 

Organotins have also been linked with cancer and hormone disruption. The global hair extension market is projected to surpass $14 billion by 2028, with the United States leading in global imports. Given the size of the market and the chemicals detected, 

Franklin argues that more oversight is needed. "These findings make clear that stronger oversight is urgently needed to protect consumers and push companies to invest in making safer products," she says.

Why 1 in 3 early-stage kidney cancer patients show no symptoms

By Sola Charles 

The UK's leading kidney cancer charity has warned that 'highly restrictive' health guidelines mean a fifth of patients are getting diagnosed at the most advanced stage of the disease.

New data from Kidney Cancer UK found that one in five kidney cancer patients are being diagnosed at stage 4, when life expectancy past five years drops significantly.

In Kidney Cancer UK's 12th annual patient survey, the report found that approximately three-quarters of people diagnosed with stage 3 kidney cancer survive for at least five years.

But for those diagnosed at stage 4, when the cancer has spread to other organs, five-year survival falls significantly to around 10–15 per cent. 

New data from Kidney Cancer UK found that one in five kidney cancer patients are being diagnosed at stage 4, the most advanced stage of the disease

People born in 1990 are up to three times more likely to develop the disease than those born in the 1950s - a trend doctors say is partly driven by rising obesity and high blood pressure.   

One of the biggest challenges with kidney cancer is that early-stage disease (stages one and two) is almost entirely symptom-free. As a result, there are often no warning signs to indicate cancer is present unless investigations are carried out for an unrelated reason.

When looking at the time from first feeling unwell and seeking medical advice to receiving a diagnosis, the survey results show that almost a third of patients waited more than three months.

In the period before referral for diagnosis, more than one in four patients are initially diagnosed with a different condition, adding to the overall time it takes for a diagnosis to be made.

The survey also found that in patients diagnosed at stages 1-3, the most common symptoms reported were pain in the back/flank/side, blood in urine and fatigue. However, notably, 29 per cent reported no symptoms at all.

In patients diagnosed at stage 4, the most common symptoms reported were pain in the back/flank/side, fatigue, blood in urine and weight loss. Of these patients, 15 per cent still reported no symptoms at all.

While the survey reveals the high percentage of kidney cancer patients diagnosed at stage 4, it also reveals that over a quarter are diagnosed at stage 3. The charity is calling for a clear and government-funded research strategy to develop a simple, inexpensive test for use in primary care. Currently, there is no simple blood test or easy method of early detection. 

Prof. Grant Stewart, Professor of Surgical Oncology at the University of Cambridge and Consultant Urologist at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, says: “The finding that just over 20 per cent of patients are now being diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer represents a concerning year-on-year increase.”

Men suffer critical heart disease earlier than women – Study

By Sola Charles 

Heart disease risk begins to climb for men in their mid-30s, years before it rises for women, a decades-long study tracking people from young adulthood has uncovered.

From the study titled "Sex Differences in Age of Onset of Premature Cardiovascular Disease and Subtypes: The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study," men reached a 5 percent risk of cardiovascular disease roughly seven years earlier than women, revealing a clear and early gap in heart health.

The study was published in the Journal of The American Heart Association. The research team analysed data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. The project enrolled more than 5,100 Black and white adults between ages 18 and 30 in the mid-1980s and followed them through 2020.

Because participants were healthy at the start, the researchers were able to identify when cardiovascular disease risk first began to separate between men and women. Men reached a 5 percent rate of cardiovascular disease, defined broadly to include heart attack, stroke and heart failure, about seven years earlier than women (50.5 versus 57.5 years).

Coronary heart disease accounted for most of this difference, driving the earlier rise in risk among men. Heart disease risk looked similar for men and women until about age 35, when men's risk began to increase more quickly.

According to the long-term study led by Northwestern Medicine, based on more than 30 years of follow-up, the findings suggest that heart disease screening and prevention may need to begin earlier in adulthood, especially for men.

"That timing may seem early, but heart disease develops over decades, with early markers detectable in young adulthood," said study senior author Alexa Freedman, assistant professor of preventive medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

"Screening at an earlier age can help identify risk factors sooner, enabling preventive strategies that reduce long-term risk."

Previous research has long shown that men tend to develop heart disease earlier than women. Over time, however, common risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure and diabetes have become more alike between the sexes. Because of this, researchers expected the difference in heart disease timing to shrink. Instead, the gap remained. That result was unexpected, Freedman said.

To better explain why these differences continue, Freedman and her colleagues say researchers need to look beyond standard measures like cholesterol and blood pressure and consider a wider range of biological and social influences.

Most of this difference was due to coronary heart disease. Men reached a 2 percent incidence of coronary heart disease more than 10 years earlier than women. Stroke rates were similar for both sexes, and differences in heart failure appeared later in life. 

"This was still a relatively young sample -- everyone was under 65 at last follow-up -- and stroke and heart failure tend to develop later in life," Freedman explained.

One of the most notable findings was when the risk gap began. Men and women had similar cardiovascular risk through their early 30s. Around age 35, men's risk increased more quickly and remained higher through midlife.

Many heart disease prevention and screening efforts focus on adults older than 40. 

The new results suggest this approach may miss an important early window for action.

"Our findings suggest that encouraging preventive care visits among young men could be an important opportunity to improve heart health and lower cardiovascular disease risk," Freedman said.

Late bedtimes linked to higher heart disease risk

By Sola  Charles 

People who naturally stay up late may be putting their hearts under added strain as they age.

A large study tracking more than 300,000 adults found that middle-aged and older night owls had poorer overall heart health and a higher risk of heart attack and stroke than those who were active earlier in the day, with the effect especially pronounced in women. 

Much of this elevated risk appeared to stem from lifestyle factors common among evening types, including smoking and inadequate sleep.

Adults in midlife and older age who tend to be most active in the evening, especially women, showed poorer overall heart health than those without a strong preference for mornings or evenings, based on research.

Common habits among night owls, including lower-quality diets, too little sleep, and higher rates of smoking, that help explain why their cardiovascular health scores were lower.

Researchers say the findings point to a clear opportunity, since improving daily habits such as sleep, diet, and smoking cessation could help night owls reduce their risk of heart attack and stroke.

Adults in middle age and later life who tend to be more active in the evening were found to have worse cardiovascular health than those who are active earlier in the day.

The association appeared to be stronger among women, according to the new research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open-access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association.

The findings suggest that when people are most active during the day may play an important role in long-term heart health.

Researchers examined health data from more than 300,000 adults (average age of about 57 years) enrolled in the UK Biobank. The analysis focused on chronotypes, which describe a person's natural preference for sleep and wake timing, and how those preferences relate to cardiovascular health.

Participants were grouped based on their self-identified daily patterns. About 8 percent described themselves as "definitely evening people," meaning they typically went to bed very late (up till 2 a.m.) and reached peak activity later in the day. 

Around 24 percent reported being "definitely morning people," who tended to wake up earlier, go to bed earlier (for example 9 p.m.), and be most active earlier in the day. 

The remaining 67 percent were categorised as having an "intermediate" chronotype if they were unsure or said they were neither clearly a morning nor evening person.

Cardiovascular health looks at behaviours and health factors known to support heart health, including eating a healthy diet, staying physically active, not smoking, and getting good-quality sleep. It also includes maintaining healthy levels of body weight, cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure.

The researchers identified several notable patterns when comparing chronotype groups: Compared with people in the intermediate category, those classified as "evening people," often called night owls, were 79 percent more likely to have an overall poor cardiovascular health score.

Night owls also had a 16 percent higher risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke during a median follow-up period of about 14 years.

The link between evening chronotype and lower heart health scores was stronger among women than among men.

Much of the increased heart disease risk seen in evening types were linked to lifestyle habits, particularly nicotine use and insufficient sleep.

In contrast, "morning people," also known as early birds, showed a 5 percent lower prevalence of poor cardiovascular health scores compared with individuals without a strong morning or evening preference.

"'Evening people' often experience circadian misalignment, meaning their internal body clock may not match the natural day-to-night light cycle or their typical daily schedules," said lead study author Sina Kianersi, a research fellow in the division of sleep and circadian disorders at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, both in Boston. 

"Evening people may be more likely to have behaviors that can affect cardiovascular health, such as poorer diet quality, smoking and inadequate or irregular sleep.

"These findings show that the higher heart disease risks among evening types are partly due to modifiable behaviors such as smoking and sleep. Therefore, evening types have options to improve their cardiovascular health. Evening types aren't inherently less healthy, but they face challenges that make it particularly important for them to maintain a healthy lifestyle."

Unified media health coalition debuts in Lagos

By Sola Ogundipe 

Towards strengthening media health advocacy in Lagos State, four key media associations have teamed up to create the Lagos State Unified Health Media Coalition.

Towards strengthening the fortunes of public health advocacy in Lagos State, four key media associations have joined forces to form the Lagos State Unified Health Media Coalition. 

By merging their influences and critical competences, the journalists and communicators in Lagos have positioned themselves as a unified watchdog for the state, marking the end of fragmented reporting and the beginning of a synchronized push for better healthcare. 

The emergence of the Coalition followed an agreement signed on February 12, 2026, among the Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN), led by the President, Vivian Ihechu and Vice President, Angela Onwuzoo; the Network of Reproductive Health Journalists of Nigeria (NRHJN), led by the President, Yinka Shokunbi and the Secretary, Sekinat Lawal.

Other signatories were the Knowledgeable Management & Communication Sub-committee (KMCS) of the Lagos State Accountability Mechanism (LASAM), led by the Chairman, Olusola Ogundipe, and the Secretary ,Omolara Olusaiye; and the Society for Media Advocacy on Health, Nigeria, led by the Chairman, Chioma Umeha.

The signing of the pact was coordinated by the International Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH), and formally witnessed by representatives from the Lagos State Ministry of Health (LSMOH), the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, Lagos State Health Insurance Management Agency (LASHMA), and the International Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH), signaling strong institutional backing.

​The partners agreed that the coalition creates a central platform for coordinated advocacy on critical issues, including Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH), Primary Health Care, and Health Financing among others.

It was unanimously agreed that the development not only marks an end to fragmented reporting, it represents the emergence of a new frontline for public health reportage, and the beginning of a synchronized push for better healthcare advocacy and in the State. 

According to Mr Solomon Dogo of ISMPH, ​“Recognizing the influence and responsibility of the media in shaping public discourse, we have voluntarily agreed to operate under a coordinated platform. The coalition will present a unified media voice in engagements with government and development partners while enhancing professional accountability.

“​By aligning their messaging, the partners aim to bridge the gap between policy and the public, ensuring that healthcare promises translate into tangible benefits for every Lagosian, Dogo stated.”

​The agreement establishing the coalition reads, “We, the undersigned authorized representatives of recognized health media networks and associations in Lagos State, acknowledge the need for stronger coordination, strategic collaboration, and unified advocacy in advancing public health priorities including RMNCAH,Primary Health Care (PHC), health financing, reproductive health, and other critical health development issues.

“Recognizing the influence and responsibility of the media in shaping public discourse and policy accountability in Lagos State, we hereby voluntarily agree to operate under a coordinated platform known as the Lagos State Unified Health Media Coalition.

“The Unified Coalition shall serve as a coordination and collaboration platform to strengthen collective health advocacy and evidence-based reporting, align key messaging on agreed health priorities, present a unified media voice in engagements with government and development partners, enhance accountability, professionalism, and information sharing, and promote strategic collaboration while preserving institutional independence.”

On autonomy, it was agreed that membership in the coalition shall not dissolve, override, or interfere with the internal structure, identity, or operations of any member network.

“Each network retains full autonomy over its internal governance and activities, and the  coalition functions strictly as a coordination and advocacy platform.

“From the agreement,  leadership of the Unified Coalition shall be determined through a transparent and mutually agreed process (consensus or election).

“Once leadership is duly selected, all member networks agree to recognize and support the agreed structure. The leadership shall operate in the spirit of service, inclusiveness, and collective representation,” the agreement noted.

Among benefits for Lagosians, partners note that the emergence of the coalition includes accountability. 

“A unified media voice means the government and development partners face a coordinated front that won't let critical health promises fall through the cracks. By sharing data and resources, the coalition will produce deeper, more technical reporting that can actually influence policy and budget allocations.

“Instead of conflicting reports, the public will receive clear, expert-driven information on everything from immunization drives to reproductive rights.

“While individual networks maintain their autonomy, the collective spirit of service ensures that health advocacy remains a permanent fixture in the news cycle, not just a response to the latest crisis.”

Endometriosis survivors share stories of strength and healing

• Say diagnosis is not death sentence, as ESIF marks 7th year

By Sola Charles 

For seven years, a group of women have joined forces to fight Endometriosis - a chronic and often painful condition that affects  an estimated one out of every 10 women of reproductive age.

In the Endometriosis & Adenomyosis Patient Support Group hosted by EndoSurvivors International Foundation (ESIF), there is a sanctuary where women battling the condition share their journeys, provide educational and psychosocial support to one another, raise awareness, celebrate their victories, advocate for better care, and find solace in solidarity.

Endometriosis is  common among women in Nigeria, presenting with symptoms like severe menstrual pain, heavy bleeding, bloating, nausea, and infertility. 

The courageous women who gathered to mark their milestone as an advocacy group, each  had a  story  of pain laced with resilience and a spirit that refuses to be broken, spoke in Lagos during the 2025 end-of-year get together and 7th anniversary activity.

Personal stories 

Leading the conversation, the Executive Director and Founder of EndoSurvivors International Foundation, Mrs. Olivia Nwankudu chronicled their personal and collective journeys through endometriosis.

“It's been an interesting journey. This support group started as my own response to what I suffered after getting diagnosed with endometriosis. 

“There was nobody to talk to about it or to really ask questions, so I just wrote something on Facebook and many people responded,  sharing their own stories.

“I was surprised at the number of responses because I had been told that endometriosis is rare among Nigerian women; following this I created an EndoSurvivors Support group on Facebook which caters to everyone affected [by] or interested [in] endometriosis. Shortly after, we were to have an Endometriosis Symposium in 2018 and some patients were to speak on a panel so I created a WhatsApp group to share information with the panelists - that WhatsApp group has grown into the thriving Patient Support Group today.”

Endometriosis mainly affects the pelvis, but can also impact other body parts, disrupting daily functions and mental health.  Women with the condition experience pain as a result of tissue similar to the lining of the uterus growing outside the uterus, causing inflammation, scarring, and  adhesions.

Another member, Temitope opened the gathering with a touching story that resonated deeply, narrating how a simple introduction revealed the profound unity within their families and support network. She said it all began in her teenage years, when she faced an unexplainable situation.

"I had a 14-day heavy period, and I didn't know what was happening. My mother comforted assured me that it was normal, yet  the pain and inconveniences persisted.”

Marriage brought new challenges when she learned she had fibroids, underwent surgery, and believed her health woes were behind her. 

New challenges 

“But the pain returned", she continued. "Relentless and unyielding, my abdomen swelled and darkened. During a scan, and examination, the diagnosis became clear: endometriosis. It is a condition that I never thought I would have.”

Recalling that her journey was  marked by numerous interventions and surgeries, moments of despair, and fleeting hope, she recalled: "I almost lost my life during IVF treatment, through faith and the support of loved ones, I kept fighting, I believe in miracles. One day, I will be fully healed," she said softly.

Not a death sentence 

Olivia continued, “I want to encourage every one of you and let you know that a diagnosis of endometriosis is not a death sentence - as difficult as it is. By God's grace, we will thrive and we will get better. Work with an endometriosis specialist and seek new treatments if you have to. Find what works for you and stick with it".

Another member of the group who spoke up recounted the hidden pain, and struggle, her story woven with  silent tears. 

“After multiple surgeries, it was discovered that my internal organs were severely frozen together in a painful, unyielding grip of the endometrial growths. Sometimes I felt pain in my eyes, in my back, all over my body, it was worrying, and I wondered if I'll ever be free from this."

Her voice carried the weight of unspoken pain-pain that many women hide behind closed doors, yet her faith remained unshaken. 

Yet another speaker recalled  the agony of losing a pregnancy at seven weeks, despite believing she had conquered her fears. 

"I questioned God, and wondered why I was going through this, but amid sorrow, I found strength in  faith.  God knows what He's doing.  I am grateful for the children I have, and I trust that brighter days are coming."

Message of hope 

There were more stories, all chronicled resilience, woven together by a community that refuses to be defeated. 

Each woman's story is an inspiration to others to hold on, to participate, and to believe that healing of the body and the soul is possible.

"A diagnosis of endometriosis is not a death sentence, we will thrive, and we will heal. Don't give up," Olivia asserted.

With a common goal and shared memories the endo- warriors remain resolute. 

Endometriosis has no known cure and carries significant health, social, and economic challenges, often leading to stigma and isolation. 

Treatment focuses essentially on symptom management through medication, surgery, fertility options, physiotherapy, and hormonal therapy.

Increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and ensuring fair access to diagnosis and treatment are vital for improving the quality of life for women with endometriosis.

The event shone a spotlight on the heroes-individuals and organisations whose dedication has shone like a guiding light; and awards were given to the most outstanding. From volunteers to advocacy groups, each recipient was celebrated for their courage and commitment.

 "The support group exists because of brave souls who dared to stand up, your stories and participation have made an indelible impact.

"The next seven years will bring more breakthroughs, more impact, more children, more love, more of everything that makes life worth living. With continued strength, understanding, and compassion, we will win this fight", Olivia added.

One of the participants summed up this way: "We are not just survivors; we are warriors. Together, we will conquer.”

ESIF has helped over 3,000 endometriosis patients and caregivers by providing counselling, educational, psychosocial and financial support, while connecting patients with endometriosis experts in Nigeria - all at no cost to beneficiaries.

The EndoSurvivors' Endometriosis Support Group has members dispersed all over the country, in the US and UK. The Annual Hangout/7th Anniversary event was held in Abuja and Port-Harcourt at the same time with the Lagos event.

WHO says global war against leprosy far from over

By Sola Charles 

To mark the 2026 World Leprosy Day, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has called for the  elimination of the social stigma surrounding the disease, which is one of humanity's oldest diseases.

Themed  "Leprosy is curable, the real challenge is stigma", WHO renewed its commitment to a leprosy-free world announcing a five-year extension  of the partnership with Novartis  through 2030 to ensure that multidrug therapy (MDT), which is the only cure for the disease, is provided free of charge to every patient worldwide.

The theme highlights the harsh reality that social exclusion often lasts much longer than the medical infection.

While 55 countries reported zero new cases in 2024, the fight remains urgent as 172,717 new cases were detected globally in the same year.

Left untreated, leprosy, which is caused by Mycobacterium leprae, leads to permanent nerve damage and physical disabilities, though it remains entirely curable when caught early.

WHO Goodwill Ambassador Yohei Sasakawa, marking his 25th year in the role, warned that discrimination remains a stubborn challenge that often persists beyond the end of treatment.

He highlighted that survivors frequently face forced divorces, job loss, and social isolation, enduring the pain of exclusion even after being medically cleared. The push against leprosy is now a central part of the broader mission to wipe out Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).

With World NTD Day approaching on January 30, health leaders are calling for a combination of science, equity, and global solidarity to ensure that stigma no longer stands in the way of a total cure.