Factfinder Tool - Cancer FactFinder

CLAIM: Dry cleaning (using Perchloroethylene) causes cancer

What you may have heard Perchloroethylene, also called PCE or tetrachloroethylene, is commonly used in dry cleaning and some industrial degreasers. You may have heard that long-term exposure can cause cancer, especially among workers in dry-cleaning facilities or people living near contaminated sites. What science tells us PCE is a chlorinated solvent that can be…

Photo of dry cleaned shirts in plastic on a rack.

CLAIM: Potassium bromate is linked to cancer

Diet & nutrition

Definitely or most likely true

What you may have heard Potassium bromate is used in baking and is linked to cancer. What science tells us Potassium bromate is a flour improver used in baking to strengthen dough, increase bread volume, and produce a fine crumb structure. It is commonly found in white flour, bread, and rolls. Potassium bromate has been…

CLAIM: PFAS exposure might increase your risk of cancer

Consumer products Occupational & environmental exposure

Definitely or most likely true

What you may have heard Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), such as PFOA and PFOS, might increase your risk of cancer. What the science tells us PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) and PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonate) are part of a larger group of man-made chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals have been in…

Non-stick frying pan isolated on beige background

CLAIM: Dairy increases your risk of cancer

Diet & nutrition

Impact on cancer risk undetermined

What you may have heard High consumption of dairy products may cause cancer. What the science tells us Epidemiological Evidence Evidence on the relationship between dairy products and cancer risk is mixed and varies by type of cancer. Dairy consumption is associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer (WCRF), while some prospective cohort studies…

Different dairy products. View from above.

CLAIM: Brown rice causes cancer

Diet & nutrition

Probably not true

What you may have heard Consuming brown rice may increase your risk of cancer due to arsenic exposure. This concern contrasts with the common belief that brown rice has many nutritional benefits, including high fiber and nutrient content. What the science tells us Arsenic accumulates in the outer layers of the rice grain, which makes…

Brown rice, uncooked in a bowl with some outside the bowl.

CLAIM: Aluminum foil causes cancer

Consumer products Diet & nutrition

Definitely or most likely not true

What you may have heard Concerns have been raised that when you cook food in aluminum foil, the aluminum can seep into the food and may be linked to cancer and other health issues. What the science tells us Aluminum foil is generally considered safe for cooking. While it is true that small amounts of…

sheet of silver leaf aluminum foil background with shiny crumpled uneven surface

CLAIM: Drinking very hot beverages can increase your risk of cancer

Diet & nutrition

Definitely or most likely true

What you may have heard Frequent consumption of very hot beverages, like tea and maté, can raise your risk of developing esophageal cancer. What the science tells us Repeatedly drinking hot beverages can damage the lining of the esophagus, which may increase the risk of cancer over time. The International Agency for Research on Cancer…

CLAIM: Sunscreen causes cancer

Consumer products

Definitely or most likely not true

What you may have heard Concerns have been circulating that sunscreen products contain harmful chemicals that can increase your risk of skin cancer. What the science tells us Using sunscreen does not increase your risk of cancer. In fact, sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can damage the DNA…

CLAIM: Soy causes breast cancer

Uncategorized

Definitely or most likely not true

What you may have heard Soy contains phytoestrogens, plant-based compounds including isoflavones, that can weakly mimic estrogen in the body. This has raised concerns that consuming soy products can increase your risk of breast cancer. What the science tells us Epidemiological Evidence Current evidence strongly suggests that soy does not cause breast cancer. In fact,…

CLAIM: Smart watch bands cause cancer

Consumer products

Impact on cancer risk undetermined

What you may have heard Smart and fitness watch bands may contain cancer-causing “forever chemicals” known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These are used in bands made of fluoroelastomer, a kind of synthetic rubber resistant to dirt, water, sweat, and oil. There is growing concern that PFAS in watch bands may be absorbed through…

Person touching smart watch on their wrist

CLAIM: Salt-preserved foods increase your risk of cancer

Diet & nutrition

Definitely or most likely true

What you may have heard High consumption of salt-preserved and pickled foods can increase your risk of gastric cancer. What the science tells us Salt-preserved food includes pickled vegetables, salted fish, and cured meat. Research suggests a correlation between salt-preserved foods and cancer risk, particularly in East Asian countries where consumption tends to be high.…

CLAIM: Root canals cause cancer

Medical Issue or Treatment

Definitely or most likely not true

What you may have heard Bacteria left behind during a root canal procedure can release toxins into the bloodstream and lead to cancer. This idea has gained attention through online forums and alternative health documentaries. What the science tells us Root canals are not linked to cancer. This myth originated from a discredited theory over…

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