Cancer Questions

Do processed foods cause cancer? 

Christina Conte, RDN, LDN, nutritionist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights the impact of foods with added sugars, sodium, and artificial ingredients on cancer risk and emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet.  

Want to learn more about integrative therapies and healthy living? Visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/patient-family/support-services/integrative-therapies 

Can deodorant cause breast cancer? 

Tim Rebbeck, PhD, professor of Cancer Prevention at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, explores the research and evidence surrounding the components found in deodorants and their link to breast cancer.   

Want to learn more about breast cancer risk and prevention? Visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/cancer-care/types/breast-cancer      

Can vitamin D reduce my risk of colorectal cancer? 

Kimmie Ng, MD, MPH, medical oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, helps answer the common question: Can vitamin D reduce my risk of colorectal cancer? 

Clinical trials have not shown that taking a supplement can reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer. However, high doses of vitamin D may help to slow the progression of colorectal cancer in diagnosed patients.  

Want to learn more from Dana-Farber about colorectal cancer screening, risk, and prevention? Visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/cancer-care/treatment/gastrointestinal/programs/colorectal-cancer 

Do birth control pills affect cancer risk? 

Wendy Chen, MD, medical oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights the link between birth control pills and breast cancer, the role of estrogen and progesterone in contraceptives, and the findings of modern studies on their safety. 

Want to learn more about breast cancer risk and prevention? Visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/cancer-care/types/breast-cancer 

How to know if you're at higher risk for skin cancer? 

Elizabeth Buchbinder, MD, a senior physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights risk factors for skin cancer, including family history, skin type, and UV exposure. 

Buchbinder emphasizes why individuals with a history of skin cancer in the family or significant UV exposure should consider regular check-ups with a dermatologist and monitor for any changes in their skin.  

Want to learn more about skin cancer risk, screening and prevention? Visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/cancer-care/treatment/cutaneous-skin-cancer 

Can aspirin prevent ovarian cancer? 

Susanne Menon, NP, a nurse practitioner at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights recent research indicating that aspirin might lower the risk of ovarian cancer by 13%.  

It's important to note that aspirin can also lead to serious health complications. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any prophylactic aspirin regimen. 

Want to learn more about gynecologic cancer, risk and prevention of gynecologic cancers? Visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/cancer-care/treatment/gynecologic-oncology 

Are there different kinds of genetic testing? 

Huma Rana, MD, MPH, physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights the different types of genetic testing for cancer: germline DNA testing, somatic sequencing and CT DNA testing.  

Want to learn more about cancer genetics and cancer prevention? Visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/patient-family/cancer-prevention-risk 

Does second hand smoke contribute to cancer risk? 

David Jackman, MD, senior physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, explains the significant health risks associated with secondhand smoke exposure.  

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), exposure to secondhand smoke can increase your risk of developing lung cancer by up to 30%.  

Beyond lung cancer, secondhand smoke is also linked to a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, exacerbation of asthma, and other severe health issues. 

Want to learn more about lung cancer risk and prevention? Visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/cancer-care/treatment/thoracic-lung-cancer       

What is radon and how does it impact cancer risk? 

 Tim Rebbeck, PhD, professor of Cancer Prevention at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, helps answer this common question.  

Radon is a naturally occurring, carcinogenic element commonly found in basements and workplaces across the United States. Rebbeck explains what radon is, where it's found, and the associated risks of lung cancer.  

Learn more about Dana-Farber Cancer Institute: https://www.dana-farber.org/    

Does sugar increase cancer risk? 

Christina Conte, RDN, LDN, nutritionist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, addresses the misconception that sugar feeds cancer and explains the key differences between added sugar and naturally occurring sugar. 

Want to learn more about integrative therapies and healthy living? Visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/patient-family/support-services/integrative-therapies