Dennis Miller, R.Ph. is a retired chain store pharmacist. His book, The Shocking Truth About Pharmacy: A Pharmacist Reveals All the Disturbing Secrets, can be downloaded in its entirety at Amazon for 99 cents.
In the modern age, we are surrounded by a staggering array of substances and exposures that have been linked—sometimes convincingly, sometimes tentatively—to cancer. The sheer number of carcinogens and potential carcinogens in our daily environments illustrates why answering the question “Which one could have caused our cancer?” is extremely difficult.
From the food we eat to the air we breathe, the products we use, and even the places we work, carcinogenic risks are everywhere. This article takes a critical look at the overwhelming prevalence of carcinogens, offering examples and highlighting the difficulty of trying to pinpoint the one that might be our nemesis.
My Mother, Father, Brother and I Have All Had Cancer:
My mother died from colon cancer which may have been caused by years of cigarette smoking. My father died from non-Hodgkins lymphoma which may have been a consequence of the fumigation of my parents’ home because of termite infestation in the foundation.
My brother was not married, did not cook, and had no desire to learn. Most of what he ate came from restaurants and fast-food outlets. He died from kidney cancer which may have been caused by his diet consisting prominently of processed foods, high fructose corn syrup, aspartame (IARC classifies aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic to humans”), or even the food packaging for fast foods which has gained a lot of attention recently. My brother liked deli subs which very likely contained nitrates as a meat preservative.
I have had two squamous cell carcinomas removed (with Mohs surgery) from my scalp. With the exception of my skin cancers, which were likely caused by sun exposure decades ago, I can only speculate about the origins of the cancers in my family.
Speculating on Which Carcinogens Caused Your Cancer:
In my opinion, people have a right to engage in conjecture regarding which exposures caused our cancer. Such a focus could put pressure on politicians to strengthen regulations governing chemical exposures. Clearly corporate America does not like a focus on toxic and carcinogenic substances.
Pharma does not want you to know that there’s a lot you can do to prevent cancer. Pharma fears that recognition of the fact that cancer is largely preventable will cause the public to question the wisdom of our medical system giving priority to cancer treatment rather than prevention.
The Unending List of Carcinogens:
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has identified over 100 substances as “carcinogenic to humans.” Hundreds more are classified as “probably” or “possibly” carcinogenic. The list is long, ever-changing, and sometimes controversial. The truth is, as research advances, substances once thought benign may be recategorized—and vice versa. The reality for most people is that avoiding all potential carcinogens is not just impractical, but impossible.
Examples of Everyday Carcinogens:
To illustrate just how pervasive carcinogens are, consider the following examples that touch nearly every aspect of daily life:
· Tobacco Smoke: Perhaps the most notorious carcinogen, tobacco smoke contains dozens of cancer-causing chemicals. Even non-smokers are at risk due to secondhand smoke exposure.
· Processed Meats: The World Health Organization classifies processed meats (like bacon, sausages, and deli meats) as carcinogenic. The culprit is the preservatives sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite.
· Alcohol: Regular consumption of alcoholic beverages increases the risk of several cancers, including those of the mouth, throat, liver, and breast.
· Air Pollution: Urban dwellers inhale a cocktail of combustion products, fine particles, and volatile organic compounds. Many of these, such as benzene and diesel exhaust, are known or suspected carcinogens.
· Sunlight (Ultraviolet Radiation): While sunlight is essential for vitamin D, too much exposure increases the risk of skin cancers, including deadly melanoma.
· Household Products: Formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, can be found in certain building materials, furniture, and cleaning products. Some cosmetics and hair dyes also contain potentially risky chemicals.
· Pesticides and Herbicides: Agricultural workers and home gardeners may be exposed to chemicals like glyphosate and others, which remain under scrutiny for potential links to cancer.
· Radiation from Medical Imaging: While X-rays and CT scans are invaluable in diagnosing disease, repeated exposure to ionizing radiation carries a small but real cancer risk.
· Plastics and Food Packaging: Some plastics contain chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which have been investigated for carcinogenic potential.
· Pharmaceuticals: Many commonly prescribed drugs are linked to tumors or cancers in lab animals at a dose that is not far from the human dose on a pound-for-pound basis.
Occupational and Environmental Exposures Associated with Specific Cancers:
List of 25 Occupations or Substance Exposures Linked to Cancer Types
- Cigarette Smoking – Strongly associated with lung cancer, as well as cancers of the mouth, throat, and bladder.
- Asbestos Exposure (e.g., construction workers, shipyard workers) – Linked to mesothelioma and lung cancer.
- Benzene Exposure (e.g., workers in chemical plants, oil refineries) – Associated with leukemia.
- Silica Dust Exposure (e.g., miners, sandblasters) – Linked to lung cancer.
- Arsenic Exposure (e.g., agricultural workers, smelter workers) – Linked to skin, lung, and bladder cancers.
- Vinyl Chloride Exposure (e.g., PVC manufacturing workers) – Associated with liver angiosarcoma.
- Radon Exposure (e.g., miners) – Linked to lung cancer.
- Formaldehyde Exposure (e.g., embalmers, laboratory workers) – Associated with nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia.
- Diesel Exhaust Exposure (e.g., truck drivers, heavy equipment operators) – Linked to lung cancer.
- Coal Tar/Pitch Exposure (e.g., roofers) – Associated with skin, lung, and bladder cancers.
- Sun/Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure (e.g., outdoor workers, farmers, construction workers) – Linked to skin cancers such as melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
- Wood Dust Exposure (e.g., carpenters, furniture workers) – Linked to nasal and nasopharyngeal cancers.
- Hairdresser Exposure (through hair dyes and chemicals) – Associated with bladder cancer.
- Rubber Industry Workers – Linked to bladder, leukemia, and stomach cancers.
- Pesticide Exposure (e.g., farm workers, pesticide applicators) – Associated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia, and prostate cancer.
- Coke Oven Emissions (e.g., steelworkers) – Linked to lung cancer.
- Nickel Refining (e.g., metal workers) – Associated with nasal and lung cancers.
- Chimney Sweeps (historically, soot exposure) – Linked to scrotal cancer.
- Leather Dust Exposure (e.g., shoe workers) – Linked to nasal cancer.
- Textile/Dye Industry Workers – Associated with bladder cancer.
- Painter Exposure (solvents, pigments) – Linked to lung and bladder cancers.
- Welders/Metal Fume Exposure – Associated with lung cancer.
- Plastics Manufacturing Workers (exposure to acrylonitrile, styrene) – Linked to various cancers, including bladder and lung.
- Printing Industry Workers (exposure to inks, solvents) – Associated with bladder and lung cancers.
- Healthcare Workers (exposure to antineoplastic drugs) – Linked to increased risk of leukemia and other cancers.
The Impossible Task of Avoidance:
The examples above are just a sampling; the real list is much longer and growing. While it makes sense to minimize exposure to known carcinogens when possible—don’t smoke, use sun protection, eat a balanced diet—the inevitability of some exposure cannot be ignored. Even “natural” environments are not risk-free: aflatoxins (produced by molds on grains and nuts) and radon gas (from the earth) are naturally occurring carcinogens.
Which One Will Get You?
The uncomfortable truth is that cancer is a complex disease with many contributing factors. Genetics, lifestyle, ubiquitous chemicals, and random chance all play roles. The goal of predicting which carcinogen will be your nemesis is very difficult. Some people smoke their entire lives and never develop cancer; others who live healthful, seemingly cautious lives are tragically diagnosed at a young age.
“Everything Causes Cancer”: Why This Expression Isn’t Just Exaggeration:
It’s become almost cliché to hear someone say, “Everything causes cancer.” While often delivered with a dismissive or joking tone, this phrase holds a kernel of truth that is far more unsettling than many realize. In modern societies, synthetic chemicals have become deeply embedded in our daily lives—present in the air we breathe, the food we eat, the products we use, and even the water we drink. Far from being an exaggeration, concerns about the health effects of these chemicals are grounded in scientific uncertainty and corporate interests that too often place profits over public health.
The Ubiquity of Synthetic Chemicals:
Over the past century, technological advances have led to the creation and widespread adoption of thousands of synthetic chemicals. Plastics, pesticides, flame retardants, food additives, preservatives, industrial solvents, and cleaning agents are just a few examples. These substances can be found in everything from food packaging to children’s toys, and from personal care products to construction materials.
Many of these chemicals are designed to make life easier, safer, or more convenient. However, their proliferation has vastly outpaced the ability of regulatory bodies and scientists to fully assess their long-term health impacts.
The Trouble with Limited Understanding:
Despite the omnipresence of synthetic chemicals, research into their health risks often lags behind their adoption. Toxicological studies can take years, even decades, to yield clear results—especially for chronic, low-level exposures. Furthermore, many chemicals are tested in isolation, while real-world exposures usually involve complex mixtures. This makes it difficult to pinpoint exactly which substances are responsible for adverse health outcomes.
Some chemicals, such as asbestos, lead, and certain pesticides, have well-documented links to cancer and other diseases. Yet, for thousands of others, the evidence is incomplete or inconclusive. The precautionary principle—acting to prevent harm when evidence is uncertain—is not always applied, leaving gaps in consumer protection.
Corporate America’s Role in Shaping Perception:
Large corporations have a vested interest in downplaying the risks associated with their products. Through lobbying, marketing, and funding scientific research, these companies can influence public perception and regulatory decisions. Industry-sponsored studies often find fewer risks than independent research, and public relations campaigns may focus on reassuring consumers rather than acknowledging uncertainty.
This dynamic can result in a disconnect between what science is beginning to understand and what the public is told. As a result, phrases like “Everything causes cancer” are dismissed as hyperbole, even as new evidence continues to emerge about the risks associated with everyday exposures.
Not All Risks Are Equal—But Most Are Understudied:
It is important to note that not every synthetic chemical is a carcinogen, and not all exposures lead to cancer. However, the sheer number of chemicals in use and the lack of comprehensive research means that many potential risks remain unknown. Factors such as dose, duration, genetics, and combined exposures all play a role in determining individual risk.
For example, endocrine disruptors—chemicals that interfere with hormone systems—are increasingly linked to cancers and other health problems. Even substances once believed to be safe, like certain food dyes or plasticizers, have come under scrutiny as new research emerges.
Conclusion: Rethinking the “Exaggeration”:
Rather than dismissing the phrase “Everything causes cancer” as mere exaggeration, it may be more accurate to see it as a reflection of scientific uncertainty in the face of widespread chemical exposure. The reality is that we are living in an experiment with many unknowns, and the burden of proof often falls on those who have the least resources to challenge the status quo.
As individuals, advocating for transparency, precaution, and independent research is crucial. Until society fully understands the risks posed by synthetic chemicals, the caution expressed in this common phrase may be more justified than corporate America would like us to believe.
In the final analysis, nothing short of a commitment to a society that’s not flooded with synthetic chemicals will address the core issue.
Dennis Miller, R.Ph. is a retired chain store pharmacist. His book, The Shocking Truth About Pharmacy: A Pharmacist Reveals All the Disturbing Secrets, can be downloaded in its entirety at Amazon for 99 cents.
