Factfinder Tool - Cancer FactFinder

CLAIM: Potassium bromate is linked to cancer

Diet & nutrition

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: 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: 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: Eating peanut butter causes cancer

Diet & nutrition

Probably not true

What you may have heard Peanut butter consumption can increase your risk of cancer due to potential aflatoxin contamination. What the science tells us Aflatoxins are a family of carcinogenic compounds produced by mold and can be found on various crops, including peanuts, tree nuts, and corn. If contaminated peanuts are used in production, aflatoxins…

CLAIM: Vegetarian diets protect against cancer

Diet & nutrition

Probably true

What you may have heard Adhering to a vegetarian diet can reduce your risk of developing cancer. What the science tells us Plant-based foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health. They contain phytochemicals, naturally occurring compounds found in fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, grains, and seeds, that may help decrease cancer…

CLAIM: Yogurt decreases your risk of cancer

Diet & nutrition

Probably true

What you may have heard Frequent yogurt consumption may decrease your risk of colorectal cancer. What the science tells us Yogurt contains beneficial bacteria that support a healthy gut microbiome, which, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), may help slow cancer development and improve response to cancer therapies. Recent studies suggest that long-term yogurt…

CLAIM: Garlic decreases your risk of cancer

Diet & nutrition

Impact on cancer risk undetermined

What you may have heard Eating garlic can lower your risk of developing gastrointestinal cancers. What the science tells us Garlic contains naturally occurring allium compounds that may slow cancer development by supporting healthy cell function and affecting processes involved in tumor growth. Laboratory research suggests that garlic may reduce the risk of certain gastrointestinal…

CLAIM: Eating eggs increases your risk of cancer

Diet & nutrition

Impact on cancer risk undetermined

What you may have heard Frequent egg consumption can increase your risk of cancer. What the science tells us Eggs support overall health and are a key source of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. They also contain high levels of cholesterol and their relationship with heart health remains debated. Concerns about cancer risk stem from…

3 and half white eggs on a vibrant yellow/orange background

CLAIM: Lemon water prevents cancer

Diet & nutrition

Not evaluated

What you may have heard Frequent consumption of hot lemon water is rumored to prevent or cure cancer. What the science tells us There is no scientific evidence that lemon water has anti-cancer properties. Lemons contain Vitamin C and other antioxidants, which are good for overall health, but no studies show that drinking lemon water,…

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