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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: Wax on fruits and vegetables causes cancer

Diet & nutrition
Definitely or most likely not true

What you may have heard Consuming the wax on fruits and vegetables can increase your risk of developing cancer. What science tells us Fruit wax, which is highly diluted, contains fungicides to inhibit mold growth, sugar cane, beeswax, carnauba wax, and resins. Epidemiological Evidence Chemicals such as pesticides associated with fruit production may contain carcinogens,…

Shiny apples at the grocery store

CLAIM: High-fat diets decrease your risk of cancer

Diet & nutrition
Definitely or most likely not true

What you may have heard Consuming high-fat diets decrease cancer risk.  What science tells us The notion that high fat diets decrease cancer risk stems from early research on diet and cancer. Countries with high “healthy fat” intake, such as countries along the Mediterranean Sea, have lower rates of cancer. But after further study, the…

Submarine sandwich with fries

CLAIM: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) causes cancer

Diet & nutrition
Definitely or most likely not true

What you may have heard Consuming MSG increases your risk of cancer. What science tells us MSG is one of the most common food additives. Generally, MSG gives an umami (meat-like) scent and is often added to savory foods to improve their taste and smell (Niaz et al.). Epidemiological Evidence MSG has been thoroughly researched,…

Raman noodles for MSG entry