Fact Finder Tool

CLAIM: Using a sauna causes cancer

Lifestyle

Definitely or most likely not true

What you may have heard People say that using a sauna can raise your cancer risk. The worry is that repeated high heat might damage tissues and lead to cancer. What science tells us There is no established mechanism or agency classification linking sauna bathing itself to cancer. By contrast, drinking very hot beverages (over…

Definitely or most likely not true: Strong scientific evidence suggests that this claim is false.

CLAIM: Artificial turf causes cancer

Lifestyle Occupational & environmental exposure

Impact on cancer risk undetermined

What you may have heard Some athletes and parents have raised concerns that playing on artificial turf, especially turf with crumb rubber infill made from recycled tires, may increase the risk of developing cancer. Media reports and anecdotal clusters of illness have contributed to public concern. What science tells us Artificial turf contains materials that…

Impact on cancer risk undetermined: The scientific community has studied this topic, but has not yet determined if there is a link to cancer or not.

CLAIM: Gel manicures increase the risk of developing skin cancer

Consumer products Lifestyle

Impact on cancer risk undetermined

What you may have heard UV lamps used in gel manicures can cause skin cancer due to the UV radiation they emit, similar to tanning beds. What science tells us Epidemiological Evidence: The evidence from epidemiological studies is currently inconclusive. While there have been anecdotal reports of individuals developing skin cancer on their hands after…

Impact on cancer risk undetermined: The scientific community has studied this topic, but has not yet determined if there is a link to cancer or not.

CLAIM: Colon cleansing reduces your risk of colorectal cancer

Diet & nutrition Lifestyle

Definitely or most likely not true

What you may have heard Colon cleansing can lower the risk of colorectal cancer by removing toxins and waste from the colon. What the science tells us The colon, an integral part of the digestive system, is responsible for absorbing water, salts, and nutrients from ingested food before expelling solid waste. It plays a vital…

Definitely or most likely not true: Strong scientific evidence suggests that this claim is false.

CLAIM: Cannabis oil can cure cancer

Lifestyle Medical Issue or Treatment

Definitely or most likely not true

What you may have heard Cannabis oil is a natural cure for cancer. What the science tells us Cannabis oil, extracted from the cannabis sativa plant, can be found in various products such as oils, roll-ons, vaping solutions, and edibles. It contains cannabidiol (CBD), which, unlike THC (another component of cannabis), does not affect the…

Definitely or most likely not true: Strong scientific evidence suggests that this claim is false.

CLAIM: Tanning beds cause cancer

Lifestyle

Definitely or most likely true

What you may have heard According to a 2012 report conducted by the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce, when contacted by Committee investigators, 90% of tanning salon staff provided false information about the serious risks of indoor tanning and made false claims about the health benefits that indoor tanning provides (AAD).…

Definitely or most likely true: Strong scientific evidence supports this claim.

CLAIM: Tobacco use causes cancer

Lifestyle

Definitely or most likely true

What you may have heard Tobacco use is a leading cause of cancer and cancer death. It is also the biggest preventable cause of cancer. What science tells us All tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, and snuff contain poisonous substances, cancer-causing agents, and nicotine (a highly addictive substance). Cigarettes are the…

Definitely or most likely true: Strong scientific evidence supports this claim.

CLAIM: Lack of sleep increases your risk of cancer

Lifestyle Medical Issue or Treatment

Definitely or most likely true

What you may have heard A disrupted sleep cycle reduces our body’s ability to function properly and decreases its ability to ward off cancer (Shafi et al.). What science tells us The World Health Organization (WHO) states that circadian disruption alone is a risk factor for cancer.“Circadian disruption” is defined as any change in sleep…

Definitely or most likely true: Strong scientific evidence supports this claim.

CLAIM: Sitting too close to the TV causes cancer

Lifestyle

Definitely or most likely not true

What you may have heard The Daily Mirror published a story in 2003 claiming that sitting too close to the TV for prolonged periods of time increases cancer risk. What science tells us Older TVs gave off low levels of radiation, but modern TVs are built with proper shielding, so people are protected from potential…

Definitely or most likely not true: Strong scientific evidence suggests that this claim is false.

CLAIM: Obesity causes cancer

Diet & nutrition Lifestyle

Definitely or most likely true

What you may have heard Obesity has been linked to various types of cancers. What science tells us Obesity or high body mass index (BMI) is a condition in which a person has an unhealthy amount and/or distribution of body fat. To measure obesity, researchers often use the BMI scale, which is determined by dividing…

Definitely or most likely true: Strong scientific evidence supports this claim.

CLAIM: Acrylamide (food ingredient) increases cancer risk

Diet & nutrition Lifestyle

Impact on cancer risk undetermined

What you may have heard You may have heard that acrylamide (an ingredient in some foods) increases cancer risk. What science tells us Acrylamide is a chemical that is used in industrial processes, such as the production of paper, dyes, and plastics, and consumer products, such as food packaging and adhesives. Acrylamide is also found…

Impact on cancer risk undetermined: The scientific community has studied this topic, but has not yet determined if there is a link to cancer or not.