Factfinder Tool - Cancer FactFinder

CLAIM: High-voltage power lines cause cancer

Probably not true

What you may have heard Some people believe that living near high-voltage power lines can cause cancer, especially childhood leukemia. Concerns center on the electromagnetic fields (EMFs) that these lines emit. What science tells us High-voltage lines emit extremely low-frequency EMFs (ELF-EMFs), a weaker form of radiation. This type of radiation is not strong enough…

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: CT scans cause cancer

Medical Issue or Treatment

Impact on cancer risk undetermined

What you may have heard Some people believe that getting CT scans can increase the chance of developing cancer. They point to the higher radiation dose from CT scans compared to regular X-rays as a reason for concern. What science tells us CT scanners use ionizing radiation, which can damage DNA. While most cells repair…

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: 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: Aristolochic Acids Cause Cancer

Consumer products

Definitely or most likely true

What you may have heard Herbal products containing Aristolochia (or related plants) can cause cancer. People worry because these products have been linked to kidney damage and cancers of the urinary tract. What science tells us Aristolochic acids are naturally occurring compounds in some Aristolochia species. Major agencies classify Aristolochic acids as human carcinogens, and…

Lotions and potions for the aristolochic acids post

CLAIM: Air fresheners cause cancer

Consumer products

Impact on cancer risk undetermined

What you may have heard People say that using air fresheners at home can raise cancer risk. The concern is that these products release chemicals like VOCs, formaldehyde, and 1,4-dichlorobenzene (EPA). What science tells us Air fresheners and other fragranced products emit VOCs. Some VOCs found indoors, including formaldehyde and benzene, are classified by major…

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: Vitamin D supplements may reduce the risk of advanced cancer

Medical Issue or Treatment

Impact on cancer risk undetermined

What you may have heard Higher levels of vitamin D can reduce cancer mortality and prevent cancer from becoming advanced. What science tells us Emerging research indicates that vitamin D might play a role in cancer prevention and management. However, the evidence is mixed, and further studies are needed to fully understand its impact. Clinical…

Vitamin D gel tablets spilling out of a white bottle

CLAIM: Titanium dioxide causes cancer

Consumer products Occupational & environmental exposure

Impact on cancer risk undetermined

What you may have heard Titanium dioxide, used in food and cosmetics, may cause cancer. What science tells us Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a mineral used as a whitening agent and pigment in various products, including foods, cosmetics, paints, and plastics. It’s commonly found in personal care items like sunscreens, pressed powders, and loose powders,…

Up-close photo of a make-up brush and make-up (eye shadow) for the titanium dioxide

CLAIM: Tattoos cause cancer

Uncategorized

Impact on cancer risk undetermined

What you may have heard Getting a tattoo can directly lead to cancer. What science tells us Epidemiological Evidence Several studies have explored the potential link between tattoos and cancer. For instance, researchers at Lund University in Sweden investigated the association between tattoo exposure and malignant lymphoma using data from people diagnosed with lymphoma between…

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”…

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