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Fact Finder Tool

Discover insights, research, and information to help you navigate cancer-related topics with confidence.

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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…

Woman looking at her red manicured nals

CLAIM: Gas stoves and the use of butane are linked to an increased risk of cancer

Consumer products Occupational & environmental exposure
Definitely or most likely true

What you may have heard Cooking with gas stoves or using butane can release harmful chemicals into the air, potentially increasing the risk of cancer. What the science tells us Epidemiological Evidence There is substantial epidemiological evidence linking gas stove use to adverse health outcomes. For instance, a 2013 meta-analysis concluded that children living in…

Close-up photo of a burner on a gas stove that is lit.

CLAIM: 5G technology increases the risk of cancer

Consumer products
Probably not true

What you may have heard You might have heard that 5G technology can cause cancer because it uses higher frequency waves than older mobile networks. What the science tells us Epidemiological Evidence Many studies have looked into whether cell phones, including 5G, cause cancer. So far, most studies have not found a clear link between…

Cell phone with 5G

CLAIM: Titanium dioxide in tampons causes cancer

Consumer products
Definitely or most likely not true

What you may have heard You may have seen a viral TikTok video claiming that tampons contain an ingredient called titanium dioxide, which is responsible for increasing the risk of cancer. What science tells us Titanium dioxide is used as a pigment in the thread attached to tampons. Less than 0.1% of titanium dioxide is…

A variety of sizes of tampons lined up

CLAIM: Loom bands increase the risk of cancer

Consumer products
Impact on cancer risk undetermined

What you may have heard Loom bands were pulled from shelves due to concerns about cancer risk. What science tells us Rainbow Loom is a plastic device used to weave small, colored rubber bands (loom bands) into jewelry. Loom bands were pulled from the shelves after they were found to contain high levels of phthalates.…

Close-up photo of colorful loom bands

CLAIM: Scented candles cause cancer

Consumer products
Definitely or most likely true

What you may have heard Burning scented candles emits cancer-causing chemicals. What science tells us Burning scented candles could lead to cancer-causing exposures through wax and wicks. Some aromatherapy candles are made of paraffin, which is a petroleum byproduct that releases carcinogenic soot when burned (Green America). At high exposure levels, this soot can also…

Burning candles
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