Factfinder Tool - Cancer FactFinder

CLAIM: Night shift work causes cancer

Lifestyle

What you may have heard Some studies suggest that people who work night shifts have a higher risk of cancer, especially breast cancer in women. The theory is that disrupting the body’s natural sleep–wake cycle (circadian rhythm) and suppressing melatonin may promote tumor development. What science tells us In 2019, the International Agency for Research…

CLAIM: Not getting enough exercise causes cancer

Lifestyle

Definitely or most likely true

What you may have heard You may have heard that being inactive or doing very little exercise can increase cancer risk. Studies have shown that not moving enough, especially alongside other lifestyle factors, can raise the chance of developing certain cancers. What science tells us Cancer authorities note that physical inactivity is a preventable risk…

man at home lying on couch in living room with popcorn watching tv holding remote control.

CLAIM: Night shift work increases your risk of breast cancer

Lifestyle

Definitely or most likely true

What you may have heard Frequent night shift work may be associated with a higher risk of breast cancer in women. What the science tells us Essential to many industries, night shift work can take a toll on the body by disrupting its internal clock and interfering with biological processes. Circadian disruption occurs when sleep…

Woman appears to be working in a lab or hospital at night.

CLAIM: Chronic Stress can increase chance of cancer

Lifestyle Medical Issue or Treatment

Impact on cancer risk undetermined

What you may have heard Some people believe that chronic stress can lead to cancer. The idea is that stress affects the body’s defenses and may make it easier for cancer to develop. What science tells us Stress triggers changes in hormones and the immune system. Long-term stress can increase inflammation and alter how cells…

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…

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…

20 and 30 Yard Line on American Football Field

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…

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…

The back of a person holding a roll of toilet paper near a toilet

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…

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).…

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…

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…

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