5 ingredients check you should always do before buying products to avoid cancer

With its high mortality rate, cancer is one of the diseases where survival is supposedly crucial. As per a 2024 report by the National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research, “India has witnessed 14 lakh new cancer cases in 2022, which is approximately one in nine people suffering from cancer.” Beyond the well-known cancer-causing practices like smoking and consuming alcohol, there are other chemicals that we regularly abreast of in our daily lives, gradually raising risks of developing cancer.The need of the hour is to understand these chemicals and make a proper check before buying any product.

Coal Tar

Coal tar is a by-product of coal processing and is a known carcinogen. Cosmetics and skincare products such as hair dyes, shampoos, and others contain coal tar. Regular exposure to this chemical may cause cancer associated with the lung, bladder, kidney, and digestive tract. Organisations like EPA, IARC, and EPA have labelled it as a Human Carcinogen, which increases the risk of cancer. If you wish to reduce your cancer risk, then stick to a minimal routine and ensure that you check the chemicals’ proportions before buying them.

Parabens

Parabens are a family of chemicals that are used as preservatives in cosmetics to extend their shelf life. They are common in soap, shampoo, shaving products, and processed foods. Studies show that parabens can disrupt hormones, negatively affecting fertility and harming birth outcomes. Additionally, they increase the risks of developing certain types of cancer, especially breast cancer. To avoid this, look for products labelled as ‘Paraben-free’ or replace the product that contains methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, and propylparaben with some alternative.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a colourless gas with a strong and sharp odour that is used in building materials, automobile parts, textiles, disinfectants, and others. Organisations like IARC say that formaldehyde is carcinogenic to humans and can cause ‘Nasopharyngeal Cancer’ and ‘Leukemia’. While buying any wood product, check if it contains formaldehyde. Also, ensure that you keep your house aired out and keep low humidity levels with proper ventilation.

Phthalates

Phthalates are the chemicals used in synthetic fragrances to help them last longer. Perfumes, hair spray, nail polish, air fresheners, and other scent products contain phthalates, which trigger allergies, affect hormones, and lead to major types of cancer, like breast cancer. To avoid them, one should look for brands and products that reveal their composition to ensure they are safe.

Acrylamide

These are the chemicals that are formed in foods during high-temperature cooking processes like frying and baking. Studies have shown a risk of cancer in animals and suggest that it can harm humans, too. As body weight is now the second leading cause of cancer behind smoking, the risk of weight gain is the real reason for the consumption of such foods, leading to high risks of cancer.
Henceforth, it is important to stay informed about such chemicals and ingredients to reduce our exposure to these chemicals and reduce the risk of cancer and other health issues. Remember, your health should be your priority for which you should educate yourselves and make informed decisions.