Abstract
Racial disparities in breast cancer are well-documented, and Black women assume a
disproportionate burden of breast cancer mortality. Black women also commonly
use hair products containing endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) more often at
an increased rate, as compared to other racial/ethnic groups. Emerging findings
have reported the use of hair and other personal care products containing EDCs
may contribute to breast cancer risk. While some sociocultural perspectives
about hair and identity have been explored, the role of beauty expectations
upheld by males has not been studied. Through a community-based participatory
methodology, we explored perceptions and beliefs held by Black men regarding
Black women’s hair, chemical exposures in hair products, and breast cancer risk.
Focus groups and key informant interviews—among men with and without partners
with a history of breast cancer—were used to examine the male perspective
regarding the attractiveness of Black hairstyles, opinions of beauty norms, and
knowledge of breast cancer risk factors. Interviews were audio-recorded,
transcribed, and analyzed guided by grounded theory methods. From the 66
participants interviewed, there was general support for natural hairstyles,
which were associated with confidence and self-esteem in women. Men agreed that
beauty standards and societal pressures play notable roles in the women’s
personal behaviors though they mostly lacked knowledge of women’s breast cancer
risk related to EDCs found in personal care products. Participants suggested a
multipronged strategy centered on community education involving social and
traditional media campaigns, and the engagement of policy makers in intervention
efforts.