Factfinder Tool - Cancer FactFinder

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

Diet & nutrition

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: COVID-19 vaccines cause cancer

Medical Issue or Treatment

Definitely or most likely not true

What you may have heard COVID-19 vaccines can cause cancer or increase the aggressiveness of existing cancers. What the science tells us The overwhelming body of scientific evidence indicates that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and do not cause cancer. Major health organizations and multiple studies support this conclusion. Epidemiological Evidence: Laboratory Evidence/Supporting Evidence: IARC Carcinogen…

CLAIM: Cannabis oil can cure cancer

Lifestyle Medical Issue or Treatment

Definitely or most likely not true

What you may have heard Cannabis oil is a natural cure for cancer. What the science tells us Cannabis oil, extracted from the cannabis sativa plant, can be found in various products such as oils, roll-ons, vaping solutions, and edibles. It contains cannabidiol (CBD), which, unlike THC (another component of cannabis), does not affect the…

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: Air pollution causes cancer

Occupational & environmental exposure

Definitely or most likely true

What you may have heard Breathing polluted air raises the chances of getting cancers like lung cancer and breast cancer. What the science tells us Epidemiological Evidence: Research has shown that long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is linked to a higher risk of several cancers. A major study, the National Institutes of Health-AARP Diet…

Smoke stacks with smoke coming out of them

CLAIM: 5G technology increases the risk of cancer

Consumer products

Probably not true

What you may have heard You might have heard that 5G technology can cause cancer because it uses higher frequency waves than older mobile networks. What the science tells us Epidemiological Evidence Many studies have looked into whether cell phones, including 5G, cause cancer. So far, most studies have not found a clear link between…

Fact Finder Tool