Factfinder Tool - Cancer FactFinder

CLAIM: Green tea prevents cancer

Diet & nutrition

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: HPV vaccines cause cancer

Medical Issue or Treatment

Definitely or most likely not true

What you may have heard Claims have circulated on social media suggesting that the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, Gardasil 9, causes cancer. These claims often stem from general vaccine misinformation and misunderstandings about how the vaccine works. In fact, the HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing cancer. What the science tells us Gardasil was…

Vials of vaccine for Human Papilloma Virus with a syringe

CLAIM: Drinking cold water causes cancer

Uncategorized

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: Chemical hair straighteners cause cancer

Consumer products

Probably true

What you may have heard Chemical hair products used to straighten curly or wavy hair may increase your risk of hormone-related cancers. What the science tells us Chemical hair straighteners, also called hair relaxers, have been linked to uterine and ovarian cancers, with exposure greatest among Black women. These products may contain endocrine disrupting chemicals…

Person at a hair salon getting a chemical combed through their hair

CLAIM: Wood dust causes cancer

Occupational & environmental exposure

Definitely or most likely true

What you may have heard People say that jobs with heavy wood dust exposure raise cancer risk. The concern is strongest for cancers in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses among furniture makers, carpenters, and other woodworkers. What science tells us Major agencies classify wood dust as carcinogenic to humans. The International Agency for Research…

Carpenter blowing wood dust off a plank of wood

CLAIM: Wildfire smoke causes cancer

Occupational & environmental exposure

Definitely or most likely true

What you may have heard With worsening wildfires across the U.S. and globally, you may have heard that breathing in wildfire smoke could increase your risk of cancer. Some people are comparing it to cigarette smoke or living near highways. What science tells us Wildfire smoke contains a mix of known cancer-causing pollutants, including fine…

Overhead view of a neighborhood with wildfire smoke making it hazy

CLAIM: Traffic emissions cause cancer

Occupational & environmental exposure

Definitely or most likely true

What you may have heard You might’ve heard that living near highways or breathing in car exhaust can increase cancer risk. Some people compare it to secondhand smoke in terms of long-term health effects. What science tells us Traffic-related air pollution contains known carcinogens including benzene, diesel exhaust, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Repeated exposure,…

Cars and motorcycles in traffic and exhaust.

CLAIM: Talcum powder causes cancer

Consumer products

Impact on cancer risk undetermined

What you may have heard Many people believe that using talcum powder increases cancer risk such as ovarian cancer. Some lawsuits and public concerns center on possible asbestos contamination and inflammation caused by talc itself. What science tells us Asbestos-contaminated talc is classified by IARC as Group 1 (carcinogenic to humans). Even talc not known…

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: Exposure to shale oil can cause cancer

Occupational & environmental exposure

Definitely or most likely true

What you may have heard Exposure to shale oil, especially in industrial settings, can cause cancer. What science tells us Shale oil contains carcinogenic compounds, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and benzene. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies shale oils as Group 1 carcinogenic to humans based on sufficient evidence from human…

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: 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…

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