Factfinder Tool - Cancer FactFinder

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,…

CLAIM: Kombucha prevents or treats cancer

Diet & nutrition

Definitely or most likely not true

What you may have heard Some claim that kombucha, a fermented tea drink, can prevent or even cure cancer due to its potentially detoxifying and immune-boosting effects. What the science tells us Kombucha is made by adding a Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast (SCOBY) to fermented sweetened tea. While kombucha contains probiotics and antioxidants…

glass bottles of different colors of Kombucha, next to two bigger jars with fabric over the tops

CLAIM: Fish increases your risk of melanoma

Diet & nutrition

Impact on cancer risk undetermined

What you may have heard Frequent consumption of fish can put you at a higher risk of developing melanoma. What the science tells us Fish is widely recommended in dietary guidelines as a valuable source of protein, heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and other essential nutrients. Despite these benefits, some studies have explored a possible link…

Whole fish on ice with herbs and veggies around them

CLAIM: Green tea prevents cancer

Diet & nutrition

Definitely or most likely not true

What you may have heard Some people claim that frequently drinking green tea can prevent cancer. What the science tells us Green tea is often seen as a healthy beverage because it contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory effects. While animal studies suggest that compounds in green tea may slow the growth of cancer cells, epidemiological…

A cup of steaming hot green tea in a clear mug

CLAIM: Drinking cold water causes cancer

Diet & nutrition

Not evaluated

What you may have heard Over a decade ago, a claim circulated on social media that drinking cold water after a meal causes cancer. The basis of the claim is that cold water supposedly solidifies fats in the stomach, creating a “sludge” that lines the intestines, eventually turning into fat deposits and causing cancer. What…

Glass of ice water against a teal background

CLAIM: Microwave popcorn causes cancer

Diet & nutrition

Probably not true

What you may have heard Some people believe that microwave popcorn causes cancer, especially because of chemicals once used in the bags or artificial butter flavoring. What science tells us Microwave popcorn itself is not linked directly to cancer. Concerns have focused on older packaging materials that contained PFAS and butter flavorings that contained a…

CLAIM: Glyphosate causes cancer

Diet & nutrition

Impact on cancer risk undetermined

What you may have heard Glyphosate, the main ingredient in the herbicide Roundup, has been called a potential cancer-causing chemical. Some lawsuits and media coverage have claimed that people exposed to glyphosate developed cancer, especially non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This has led to confusion and concern about whether glyphosate causes cancer in humans. What science tells us…

CLAIM: Arsenic causes cancer

Diet & nutrition

Definitely or most likely true

What you may have heard People often worry that arsenic exposure, especially through contaminated drinking water, can cause cancer. That concern comes from studies showing higher cancer rates in areas with high arsenic levels. What science tells us Inorganic arsenic compounds, including those found in contaminated water and occupational settings, are classified by IARC as…

Arsenic sitting on top of a periodic table

CLAIM: Aflatoxins cause cancer

Diet & nutrition

Definitely or most likely true

What you may have heard You might have heard that eating moldy grains or nuts can increase your cancer risk. This concern is often linked to something called aflatoxins, toxic substances produced by certain types of mold, especially in warm and humid regions. What science tells us Aflatoxins are naturally occurring toxins made by Aspergillus…

CLAIM: Sugar feeds cancer

Diet & nutrition

Definitely or most likely not true

What you may have heard You might have heard that sugar directly feeds cancer cells and causes cancer to grow and spread more quickly. What science tells us Epidemiological Evidence: Research shows that while all cells in our body, including cancer cells, use sugar (glucose) as a source of energy, sugar does not specifically “feed”…

Heaping tea spoon of table sugar hovering over a dish

CLAIM: Soft drinks may increase the risk of various cancers, including liver cancer and breast cancer

Diet & nutrition

Impact on cancer risk undetermined

What you may have heard Soft drinks, including sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and artificially sweetened beverages (ASB), have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. This includes both common and rare types of cancers, with significant concern around liver cancer and breast cancer. What the science tells us Emerging evidence from observational studies suggests a…

CLAIM: Red Dye 3 is linked to cancer

Diet & nutrition

Impact on cancer risk undetermined

What you may have heard Red Dye 3, used in foods and cosmetics, is linked to cancer. What science tells us Red Dye 3, also known as FD&C Red No. 3, Red Dye No. 3, and Red Dye 3, is a synthetic dye used to color foods, cosmetics, and drugs. It gives products a bright,…

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