Factfinder Tool - Cancer FactFinder

CLAIM: Fluoride in drinking water causes cancer

Diet & nutrition Occupational & environmental exposure

Probably not true

What you may have heard Fluoride, which is commonly added to drinking water to prevent tooth decay, is linked to an increased risk of cancer. What the science tells us Epidemiological Evidence: Numerous large-scale epidemiological studies have investigated the possible connection between fluoride levels in drinking water and cancer rates. Most of these studies have…

Person filling up a glass of water at the kitchen sink

CLAIM: Fasting can enhance cancer treatment effectiveness and reduce side effects

Diet & nutrition

Impact on cancer risk undetermined

What you may have heard Fasting has been suggested as a beneficial practice for cancer patients, potentially improving the effectiveness of treatments and reducing their adverse effects. What science tells us Fasting, including intermittent fasting, involves periods of reduced or no-calorie intake. Emerging evidence indicates that fasting might foster conditions that limit cancer cell growth…

Torso with hands holding cutlery over empty plate for fasting entry

CLAIM: Decaf coffee processed with methylene chloride increases the risk of cancer

Diet & nutrition

Impact on cancer risk undetermined

What you may have heard Decaf coffee made using methylene chloride can cause cancer because the chemical is harmful. What the science tells us Methylene chloride is a chemical solvent used in various industries, including paint stripping, foam manufacturing, cleaning, and degreasing. It is known to be harmful and can cause cancer, heart problems, and…

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: Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) is linked to cancer

Diet & nutrition

Impact on cancer risk undetermined

What you may have heard Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) has been linked to cancer. What science tells us Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) is a food additive, made from vegetable oil modified with bromine that is used in some soft drinks to keep citrus flavoring from separating. BVO can accumulate in body fat, as well as…

CLAIM: Consuming berries can prevent cancer

Diet & nutrition

Definitely or most likely true

What you may have heard You might have heard that eating berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, can help prevent cancer. What science tells us Berries are rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C, quercetin, and anthocyanins, which help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, a key factor in cancer development. Scientific…

CLAIM: Apricot seeds treat cancer

Diet & nutrition

Definitely or most likely not true

What you may have heard Apricot seeds cure cancer by targeting cancer cells and leaving normal cells unharmed. What the science tells us Apricot seeds contain amygdalin, a natural substance. Laetrile is a partly synthetic form of amygdalin. It is sometimes referred to as vitamin B17, though it is not actually a vitamin. Pharmaceutical companies…

CLAIM: Apple cider vinegar (ACV) can treat or prevent cancer

Diet & nutrition

Definitely or most likely not true

What you may have heard There are claims that apple cider vinegar (ACV) can treat or prevent cancer. This belief is based on the idea that ACV can create a more alkaline environment in the body, making it less hospitable for cancer cells to grow. What the science tells us In chemistry, the pH scale…

Apples (some unpeeled, some peeled) next to a small fabric-covered jar of apple peels in liquid.

CLAIM: Antioxidants can help prevent cancer

Diet & nutrition

Impact on cancer risk undetermined

What you may have heard Antioxidant supplements, such as vitamins A, C, and E, can help prevent cancer and other diseases. What the science tells us Antioxidants are substances, either synthetic or naturally occurring, that can help prevent or slow down certain types of cellular damage. They are present in a variety of foods, particularly…

CLAIM: An alkaline diet can prevent cancer

Diet & nutrition

Impact on cancer risk undetermined

What you may have heard Adopting an alkaline diet , which focuses on consuming foods that supposedly create a more alkaline environment in the body, can protect against cancer. This diet often involves eating more fruits and vegetables while reducing intake of meat and processed foods. What the science tells us The evidence on whether…

Overhead photo of produce (leafy greens bananas, etc) for alkaline diet entry.

CLAIM: Obesity causes cancer

Diet & nutrition Lifestyle

Definitely or most likely true

What you may have heard Obesity has been linked to various types of cancers. What science tells us Obesity or high body mass index (BMI) is a condition in which a person has an unhealthy amount and/or distribution of body fat. To measure obesity, researchers often use the BMI scale, which is determined by dividing…

Torso of an overweight person grabbing their excess fat

CLAIM: Burnt marshmallows can cause cancer

Diet & nutrition

Definitely or most likely not true

What you may have heard Consuming burnt foods or burnt marshmallows increases the risk of developing cancer. What science tells us Marshmallows are composed of a majority of sugars. They are eaten alone, but sometimes are roasted over a fire to make s’mores. Many chemicals are found in burnt food including acrylamide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons…

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