Does eating from plastic packaging increase your risk of cancer?
There is clear evidence that substances that leach from plastic, such as BPA and PCBs, are associated with cancer; for micro- and nanoplastics that evidence in humans is still lacking. Limit your exposure where you can, especially when heating food in plastic containers.
BPA, a substance that can leach from certain plastics into food, has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer in an umbrella review of 52 systematic reviews with meta-analyses. The exact size of that risk is not specified in that review. This is a statistical association, not a proven causal relationship.
Other plastic-related substances, such as PCBs (industrial compounds that can come into contact with food via plastic), phthalates, PFAS and brominated flame retardants, have also been associated with cancer. PCB exposure is linked to non-Hodgkin lymphoma and breast cancer. In people who suffered acute PCB poisoning, the risk of several types of cancer was found to be elevated. The cancer risk from these substances appears to be greatest for people who work in plastic production or live near plastic factories.
Micro- and nanoplastics, the small and ever-smaller particles that are released from plastic packaging, are a separate matter. Laboratory research suggests that certain types, such as plastics based on polystyrene or PVC, can drive cancer processes. However, this has not yet been demonstrated in humans in a meta-analysis or randomised study. There is simply no research yet that quantitatively maps the effects of micro- and nanoplastics on cancer in humans.
From a practical standpoint: the strongest evidence applies to BPA and PCBs via food contact. In most western countries, BPA has already been banned from baby bottles and many food packaging materials, but it may still be present in can linings and certain reusable plastics. Substitutes for BPA (such as BPS) have barely been studied for cancer risk. Heating plastic packaging, storing fatty or acidic foods in plastic for extended periods, and using damaged plastic containers increases the likelihood of substances ending up in food.
Based on an umbrella review (PMID 39183960) of 52 systematic reviews with meta-analyses for BPA and PCBs, and on reviews for micro- and nanoplastics (PMID 35301996). No meta-analyses are available that support a link between micro- and nanoplastics and cancer in humans. All associations are observational; no proven causality has been established.
Does eating heavily heated or charred food increase your risk of cancer?
Heavily heated or charred meat likely increases the risk of certain types of cancer, although the associations in humans are associative. By not charring meat and varying cooking methods, you can substantially reduce your exposure to these substances.
Does being overweight increase my risk of cancer, and if so, which types?
Excess weight increases your risk of at least 13 types of cancer, including uterine, colorectal, breast and liver cancer. Losing weight reduces that risk, although it remains unclear whether all methods of weight loss are equally effective for immune defence against cancer.
Does eating a lot of sugar increase my risk of cancer?
Drinking large amounts of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with a noticeably higher risk of certain cancers, particularly early-onset colorectal cancer and liver cancer. The association is observational, but consistent enough to make reducing soft drinks and fruit juice a concrete point of attention.
Does alcohol increase your risk of cancer, even with one drink a day?
Yes, even one drink a day increases the risk of certain cancers, particularly breast and colorectal cancer. There is no safe lower threshold; drinking less or stopping reduces your risk immediately.
Is it true that artificial sweeteners cause cancer?
The vast majority of population research does not confirm a causal association between artificial sweeteners and cancer. There are signals around aspartame that are being investigated further, but these do not yet justify alarm.
Does working with pesticides increase your risk of cancer?
Working with pesticides is associated in multiple studies with an increased risk of several types of cancer, including bladder, bowel, and blood cancers. Avoiding unprotected contact is sensible, especially if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.