Factfinder Tool - Cancer FactFinder

CLAIM: Night shift work increases your risk of breast cancer

Lifestyle

What you may have heard Frequent night shift work may be associated with a higher risk of breast cancer in women. What the science tells us Essential to many industries, night shift work can take a toll on the body by disrupting its internal clock and interfering with biological processes. Circadian disruption occurs when sleep…

Woman appears to be working in a lab or hospital at night.

CLAIM: Perchloroethylene in Dry Cleaning causes cancer

Occupational & environmental exposure

Definitely or most likely true

What you may have heard Perchloroethylene, also called PCE or tetrachloroethylene, is commonly used in dry cleaning and some industrial degreasers. You may have heard that long-term exposure can cause cancer, especially among workers in dry-cleaning facilities or people living near contaminated sites. What science tells us PCE is a chlorinated solvent that can be…

Photo of dry cleaned shirts in plastic on a rack.

CLAIM: Not getting enough exercise causes cancer

Lifestyle

Definitely or most likely true

What you may have heard You may have heard that being inactive or doing very little exercise can increase cancer risk. Studies have shown that not moving enough, especially alongside other lifestyle factors, can raise the chance of developing certain cancers. What science tells us Cancer authorities note that physical inactivity is a preventable risk…

man at home lying on couch in living room with popcorn watching tv holding remote control.

CLAIM: Night shift work causes cancer

Lifestyle

Definitely or most likely true

What you may have heard Some studies suggest that people who work night shifts have a higher risk of cancer, especially breast cancer in women. The theory is that disrupting the body’s natural sleep–wake cycle (circadian rhythm) and suppressing melatonin may promote tumor development. What science tells us In 2019, the International Agency for Research…

CLAIM: Potassium bromate is linked to cancer

Diet & nutrition

Definitely or most likely true

What you may have heard Potassium bromate is used in baking and is linked to cancer. What science tells us Potassium bromate is a flour improver used in baking to strengthen dough, increase bread volume, and produce a fine crumb structure. It is commonly found in white flour, bread, and rolls. Potassium bromate has been…

CLAIM: PFAS exposure might increase your risk of cancer

Consumer products Occupational & environmental exposure

Definitely or most likely true

What you may have heard Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), such as PFOA and PFOS, might increase your risk of cancer. What the science tells us PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) and PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonate) are part of a larger group of man-made chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals have been in…

Non-stick frying pan isolated on beige background

CLAIM: Dairy increases your risk of cancer

Diet & nutrition

Impact on cancer risk undetermined

What you may have heard High consumption of dairy products may cause cancer. What the science tells us Epidemiological Evidence Evidence on the relationship between dairy products and cancer risk is mixed and varies by type of cancer. Dairy consumption is associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer (WCRF), while some prospective cohort studies…

Different dairy products. View from above.

CLAIM: Brown rice causes cancer

Diet & nutrition

Probably not true

What you may have heard Consuming brown rice may increase your risk of cancer due to arsenic exposure. This concern contrasts with the common belief that brown rice has many nutritional benefits, including high fiber and nutrient content. What the science tells us Arsenic accumulates in the outer layers of the rice grain, which makes…

Brown rice, uncooked in a bowl with some outside the bowl.

CLAIM: Aluminum foil causes cancer

Consumer products Diet & nutrition

Definitely or most likely not true

What you may have heard Concerns have been raised that when you cook food in aluminum foil, the aluminum can seep into the food and may be linked to cancer and other health issues. What the science tells us Aluminum foil is generally considered safe for cooking. While it is true that small amounts of…

sheet of silver leaf aluminum foil background with shiny crumpled uneven surface

CLAIM: Drinking very hot beverages can increase your risk of cancer

Diet & nutrition

Definitely or most likely true

What you may have heard Frequent consumption of very hot beverages, like tea and maté, can raise your risk of developing esophageal cancer. What the science tells us Repeatedly drinking hot beverages can damage the lining of the esophagus, which may increase the risk of cancer over time. The International Agency for Research on Cancer…

CLAIM: Sunscreen causes cancer

Consumer products

Definitely or most likely not true

What you may have heard Concerns have been circulating that sunscreen products contain harmful chemicals that can increase your risk of skin cancer. What the science tells us Using sunscreen does not increase your risk of cancer. In fact, sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can damage the DNA…

CLAIM: Soy causes breast cancer

Uncategorized

Definitely or most likely not true

What you may have heard Soy contains phytoestrogens, plant-based compounds including isoflavones, that can weakly mimic estrogen in the body. This has raised concerns that consuming soy products can increase your risk of breast cancer. What the science tells us Epidemiological Evidence Current evidence strongly suggests that soy does not cause breast cancer. In fact,…

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