What to know
- Torontonians are anxious about cancer risks related to everyday products, from deodorant and microplastics to processed foods, often influenced by “scare words” and online misinformation.
- Experts say many common fears aren’t backed by evidence. Toronto cancer physician Mary Gospodarowicz says there’s no evidence that microwaves or deodorant antiperspirants increase cancer risk, and stresses that not “everything causes cancer.”
- Some risks are underappreciated—especially alcohol. Gospodarowicz points to growing evidence that even limited alcohol consumption is carcinogenic, while the Canadian Cancer Society emphasizes evidence-based guidance and careful sourcing when researching cancer risks.
What causes cancer? Many believe microwaving microplastics or not wearing sunscreen will do it. Some parents think it’s “the damn phone.” What else?
Today, Feb. 4, is World Cancer Day, an international day to raise awareness about cancer. With growing anxieties as to what may cause cancer, and lots of different information online, Now Toronto asked residents about their concerns on what may cause cancer.
Julia shares her worries about everything from deodorant containing aluminum, microplastics in food or cosmetics, but most of this is fueled by the way the media portrays products, calling them “scare words.”
Another Torontonian, Akanksha fears that overeating or processed foods may cause cancer. Melissa adds that she saw the ingredient list for her International Delight coffee, which lists seed oils. She wondered, “What’ll that do?”
On the other hand, Kaitlin changes her routine to “be safe.” She wears wired earphones, in fear that wireless earphones can cause cancer.
Another resident named Legend stated, “I’m sure there’s a lot of things I’m unsure of that cause cancer.” One being toothpaste. He also added, “I’m American, and in American things, there’s things like red dye #3, all these different dyes and products in our foods.”
And Kajan believes that “everything causes cancer.” He mentions cleaning products, household detergents, alcohol and preservatives.
Debunking the myths
With myths being ever prevailing, Now Toronto asked an expert to weigh in on whether these worries have some truth to them.
Mary Gospodarowicz, a cancer physician in Toronto who’s been practicing for 50 years, answers the common question about microwaves: “There’s no evidence that microwave exposure increases cancer risk.”
She explains that various international and national bodies are studying the impact of microplastics and microwaves. However, she stresses that the key concern right now is understanding the proven cancer risks.
“I think the one that has been emphasized in the last few years that people generally underappreciate is the role of alcohol. We all know that alcohol is bad for your liver, that excessive alcohol is harmful, but the newer evidence suggests that even in limited amounts, alcohol is carcinogenic,” Gospodarowicz told Now Toronto.
Gospodarowicz says that considering only five to 10 per cent of cancers are inherited, it’s important to know the causes of cancer, carcinogenesis, and reduce the exposure to those. “Keep an eye on new technologies, such as microplastic exposure.”
But there’s hope, because she doesn’t believe everything causes cancer. “There’s no substantial evidence for that.”
Elizabeth Holmes, director of Health Policy at the Canadian Cancer Society, discusses overeating and processed foods in light of Canada’s Food Guide. Get lots of vegetables, fruit, fibre, and limit red and processed meat, and ultra-processed foods.
For deodorants, reassuring Julia’s question, Holmes answers, “There’s no evidence that using deodorant antiperspirants increases your risk of breast cancer.”
How to find credible information
For any questions that may be left unanswered, Holmes recommends doing some research, but carefully to avoid being misinformed.
Sadly, misinformation is very present, whether with good or bad intent. The sensational content can confuse the public and even be dangerous.
“It can lead to risky health behaviours and missed opportunities for reducing their cancer risk, finding cancer early, and if it’s somebody with cancer who receives cancer misinformation, then it can create false hope, a delayed diagnosis, or, kind of promoting unproven or unsafe treatments,” Holmes said.
She shares how to find credible information.
- Ask yourself what is the source of this information.
- What is the evidence behind the claim that’s being made?
- Does it contradict what you might know from a trusted source, like an organization like the Canadian Cancer Society or your healthcare provider?
If you’re concerned about any other rumours, call 1-888-939-3333 for trusted information from the Canadian Cancer Society’s website.
