Smarter prevention begins with reliable facts about what causes cancer – and what doesn’t.
Find a claim in our database, or submit a new claim topic below for our research team to consider.
Curious if something causes cancer or not?
Not sure if a cancer-related claim is true or false? Submit your ideas for claim topics that our team should consider.
What actually causes cancer – and what doesn’t?
Many people are concerned that things they may come in contact with may cause cancer. Some of us turn to social media, internet searches, and friends or family for information. But it can be really hard to know which information is reliable and true.
The FactFinder provides accurate and reliable information about what does and does not cause cancer. We achieve this by summarizing the best evidence-based scientific information available from studies in humans, and share this research with the public in everyday language.
Our goal is to debunk cancer myths, empower users to be skilled factcheckers, and share trustworthy resources about cancer prevention. The Cancer FactFinder:
-sets the record straight.
The site offers clear, evidence-based information from the scientific community about what does and does not cause cancer so that you can make informed choices.
We want to hear from the public! Share your concerns using the form on this page, and we will share them with our research team.
-educates the public.
We provide strategies for effectively evaluating information about what does and does not cause cancer, allowing you to be a wise consumer of news and social media.
-is a hub for sharing tools and resources.
We connect users with reliable information about cancer risk and prevention from established experts and useful recommendations for trustworthy books, apps, podcasts, and other materials.
Why is it so hard to figure out what causes cancer?
Science marches forward in fits and starts. We rarely have one go-to source providing the simple, definitive answer we want. Science usually takes one small step at a time, and it often takes many years for scientists to come to an agreement about what causes a specific type of cancer. In some cases, we are still not there, or only have a partial answer.
Information – including about what causes cancer – can change over time. The scientific community may have learned something new, and the research is better than it was before.
The FactFinder dates its information, including updates to existing topics. You can choose to be notified when we've updated information by checking that box on the bottom of a claim topic,
Misinformation abounds. Claims about what does or does not cause cancer are easily made whether there is a basis in fact or not. Often these claims are the result of incomplete understanding or partial information and are driven by fear. Misinformation may lead to unnecessary anxiety, or worse, behavior with harmful health consequences.
Learning how to fact check empowers you to be a better consumer of news and information. Check out our How to Factcheck page for practical fact-checking techniques.
The word FactFinder says it all... Similar to a Dictionary, I find this online resource provides you with updated information about your cancer questions from an accredited team of experts. It's like having a pocket Dictionary at your finger tips!
Stephanie Harriston-Diggs
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
I was overwhelmed by all the misinformation online, so finding Cancer FactFinder felt reassuring. The information is clear, easy to understand, and based on real science which is important to me. It helped me feel less afraid and more informed about cancer causes.
Maria Alaniz, MPH
UC Davis Health | Center for Reducing Health Disparities