Certain occupational activities or jobs are associated with a higher risk of cancer. And in some cases, women are most at risk.

A new study by researchers at the University of Montreal, Canada, and Published in the scientific journal “Occupational and Environmental Medicine” It found that women who work in hairdressers, beauty salons, and accounting may have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.

The data of 491 women diagnosed with the disease was analyzed, and scientists concluded that working for more than 10 years in professions such as hairdressing or cosmetology triples the risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Similarly, the risks are also increased for those who work in professions such as accountants or in the textile industry.

Previous studies had identified few modifiable risk factors that contribute to the development of the disease, but it was suspected that environmental factors, such as the workplace, could have an effect, which is now validated.

Among the 491 women who met the criteria for participation in the study, the data was analyzed and compared with a group of 900 other participants who did not have ovarian cancer.

“Traditionally, women have been underrepresented in studies of cancer risks associated with occupational exposure. Much of the scientific evidence has been based on studies conducted mostly with men, which does not reflect the significant integration of women into the labor market from the 1980s onwards,” notes Alejandro Pérez-Fidalgo, specialist Oncologist in Valencia, speaking to ABC The specialist notes that until now, the only factors “clearly associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer were exposure to asbestos and radiation.”

Those who worked in accounting had twice the risk of developing cancer. Women working in the civil construction sector were three times more at risk, also because of their possible exposure to asbestos. In contrast, those who worked in the textile industry were 85% more likely to develop the disease.

In none of the occupations identified as having a higher risk, proximity to harmful chemicals was identified as a factor.

The researchers note that “women working in hairdressing-related jobs are exposed to hundreds of chemicals in high concentrations, such as hair dyes, shampoos and conditioners, and cosmetics.”

Exposure to substances such as talcum powder, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, synthetic fibers, polyester, paints, organic dyes, cellulose, formaldehyde, propellants and natural chemicals found in benzene and bleaching agents are identified as risk factors, in a total of 18 identified as increasing the risk of ovarian cancer.