Latest news with #carcinogen
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Fact-checking viral claims that WHO just listed the contraceptive pill as a carcinogen
Viral claims that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has 'just classified the pill as a group one carcinogen' are flooding TikTok, the Chinese-owned social media platform. 'The pill is now classified as a level-one carcinogen. Like tobacco. Like alcohol. Like drugs,' one TikToker claims, prompting alarm among users of the platform. Others urge their followers to stop taking the pill altogether. Euroverify has investigated these claims and found that, while the WHO's specialised cancer agency does consider some types of contraception pills to be carcinogenic to humans, the reality is much more nuanced. It's not true that the WHO has 'just' classified the pill as a carcinogen, as TikTok users have claimed. In fact, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) – the WHO's French-headquartered cancer agency – has included certain contraceptive pills on its list of substances 'carcinogenic to humans' since 2005. That list, known as Group 1, includes substances where 'sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity' has been demonstrated in 'studies in which chance, bias, and confounding were ruled out with reasonable confidence". There are two main types of the hormonal contraceptive pill: the combined pill, which contains the hormones oestrogen and progestogen, and the mini pill, which contains progestogen only. Only the combined pill is included on the WHO's so-called Group 1, meaning there's sufficient evidence that it can cause cancer in humans. The mini pill is currently categorised in the IARC's Group 2B, meaning it's considered "possibly carcinogenic to humans." Several studies, however, have found that both of these pills slightly increase the risk of breast cancer in women. For example, a 2023 study by Oxford University's Cancer Epidemiology Unit found that any type of hormonal contraceptive may increase the risk of breast cancer, and estimated that use of the mini pill is associated with 'a 20-30% higher risk of breast cancer". But there is also data to suggest the contraceptive pill can reduce the risk of other types of cancer, such as endometrial, colorectal and bowel cancers. It means the relationship between cancer and the contraceptive pill is much more complex than meets the eye. We detected several TikTok videos published in recent weeks claiming that the WHO considers the contraceptive pill "as carcinogenic" to humans as alcohol, tobacco and asbestos. This claim is misleading. The IARC's Group 1 includes all the substances for which there is sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in humans, such as alcohol, tobacco and asbestos, as well as processed meats, sunlight radiation and certain viruses like Hepatitis B and C. But this doesn't mean in any way that all substances on the list carry the same risk level. It simply means there is sufficient scientific evidence to support the claim that they are all carcinogenic to humans. The IARC does not classify substances according to level of carcinogenicity, but rather according to the strength of the scientific evidence to support its link to an increased risk of cancer.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Alcohol linked to increased risk of pancreatic cancer: Study
Alcoholic beverages, particularly beer and spirits, may increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer, according to a new study led by the UN World Health Organization. The research, which pooled data from nearly 2.5 million people across Asia, Australia, Europe and North America, revealed a 'modest but significant' link between alcohol consumption and pancreatic cancer risk, regardless of sex or smoking status. 'Alcohol consumption is a known carcinogen, but until now, the evidence linking it specifically to pancreatic cancer has been considered inconclusive,' said Pietro Ferrari, senior author of the study and head of the nutrition and metabolism branch at the World Health Organization International Agency for Research on Cancer. The study revealed that each additional 10 grams of alcohol consumed per day was associated with a three percent increase in pancreatic cancer risk. Additionally, women consuming 15-30 grams of alcohol daily, which equates to about one to two drinks, had a 12 percent higher risk. Men drinking 30-60 grams daily had a 15 percent increased risk, increasing to 36 percent for those consuming more than 60 grams. The study confirmed alcohol as an 'independent risk factor,' even after accounting for smoking. Ferrari emphasized that 'alcohol is often consumed in combination with tobacco,' but the elevated risk persists among non-smokers. Pancreatic cancer, a disease that impacts digestive enzyme production and blood sugar regulation, remains one of the deadliest cancers due to late-stage diagnoses. Although it ranks 12th in global cancer incidence, it accounts for 5 percent of all cancer-related deaths, according to the WHO. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Wall Street Journal
03-06-2025
- Health
- Wall Street Journal
The FDA Presents Its Case for Targeting Talc
Your editorial 'The FDA Takes a Trial-Lawyer Turn' (May 21) criticizes the Food and Drug Administration for convening an expert panel to explore whether talc is a potential carcinogen. You cite three studies that don't support that proposition but omit the 2019 review of 30 studies that found a strong association between talc and cancer. Last year the International Agency for Research on Cancer also found that the mineral is 'probably carcinogenic to humans,' citing strong mechanistic evidence. At a recent FDA expert panel, one pathologist reported that talc particles have been observed in cancer cells. For these reasons, talc has been removed from baby powder, but remarkably children continue to eat it in candy and other foods. Millions of Americans also consume it in medications. Talc is used as a lubricant that allows for easier mass production of pills, food and cosmetics. As one scientist informed our panel, safe, low-cost alternatives exist.
WebMD
12-05-2025
- Health
- WebMD
Should You Be Worried About Benzene in Your Skin Care Products?
In March 2024, Valisure, an independent pharmaceutical testing company, released a report revealing that several skin care products contained benzene at levels higher than the FDA's allowable limit. Benzene is a known carcinogen, and although no safe level of benzene exposure is considered acceptable, the FDA permits a concentration of up to 2 parts per million (ppm) in certain products. However, Valisure's testing showed benzene levels far exceeded this threshold in several products. How Does Benzene End Up in Skin Care Products? Benzene is often found in products due to the breakdown of benzoyl peroxide (BPO), a common ingredient in over-the-counter acne treatments. Benzoyl peroxide is effective at treating acne, but it can degrade into benzene under certain conditions. Specifically, when products containing BPO are exposed to heat -- like the kind of warmth you might find in a bathroom -- more benzene can accumulate, increasing your risk of exposure. Valisure tested seven different products containing benzoyl peroxide, including some popular over-the-counter creams and cleansers. Benzene was detected in all of them, and after being kept at temperatures ranging from 98.6 F to 158 F. It found that the levels of benzene increased to several times the FDA's allowable concentration. Given that these products are widely used in the treatment of acne, this discovery is raising significant concerns. The question is: What does this mean for your health? Should You Stop Using These Products? Many of my patients have chosen to stop using benzoyl peroxide products altogether after hearing about these findings. However, there is some evidence suggesting that you might not need to be overly concerned -- at least not to the extent of stopping their use completely. One study examined the serum levels of benzene in people who used benzoyl peroxide-containing products and compared them with people who had no exposure. The study found no significant increase in the risk of lymphoma, leukemia, or harmful conditions, which are the primary health risks associated with benzene exposure. This suggests that, while benzene is present in these products, the actual risk may be minimal. What Does This Mean for You? While the presence of benzene in skin care products is concerning, it's important to put these findings into context. The FDA allows trace amounts of benzene in certain products, and the levels found in many of these acne treatments — although elevated under specific conditions — may not necessarily translate into a significant health risk for most people. However, if you're still concerned, there are a few things you can do: Be mindful of storage conditions: Avoid storing your skin care products in hot, humid places like your bathroom. Keeping these products at room temperature may help minimize benzene buildup. Look for alternatives: If you're uncomfortable using products containing benzoyl peroxide, there are many other acne treatments available, including options with different active ingredients, such as salicylic acid, sulfur, or retinoids. Monitor updates and regulations: Keep an eye on new studies and reports. As more research is done on benzene exposure from skin care products, additional regulations or recommendations may be issued. The discovery of benzene in skin care products, particularly those containing benzoyl peroxide, raises important concerns. While the evidence on benzene's potential health risks in this context is not definitive, it is clear that more research is needed. For now, the best course of action may be to make informed choices based on your comfort level and to keep abreast of new studies and regulatory updates. If you're unsure, consulting your dermatologist for personalized advice is always a good option. Ultimately, the goal is to use products that not only treat skin concerns effectively but also keep your health and safety in mind. Stay informed and make decisions that best align with your skin and overall well-being.
