A doctor has issued a warning about several common medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, that may increase the risk of cancer. While cancer remains the second leading cause of death in the United States, with around 600,000 deaths annually, it is estimated that 40% of cancer cases could be prevented through lifestyle changes such as staying active, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight. However, some medications also carry cancer risks, which is why it’s important for people to carefully consider their treatment options in consultation with their healthcare providers.
Dr. Yalda Safai, a New York-based psychiatrist, shared a list of five medications that could potentially increase cancer risk. The first drug she mentioned was birth control pills, which are prescribed to over 10% of women annually. These pills contain synthetic forms of estrogen and progesterone, which can disrupt cell function and increase the likelihood of mutations that may lead to cancers such as breast cancer. Dr. Safai noted that while birth control pills can raise the risk of breast cancer, they can also reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by preventing ovulation. Women considering birth control should discuss their family history of cancer with their doctors before making a decision.
The second medication on Dr. Safai’s list was over-the-counter cold medications, specifically generic versions of Mucinex. Some of these cheaper alternatives contain benzene, a carcinogen known to be linked to blood cancers such as leukemia. The FDA has mandated that benzene be phased out of pharmaceuticals by 2025, but the deadline has since been extended to 2026 due to industry objections. Dr. Safai highlighted that benzene is also found in other products like hand sanitizers and shampoos, further increasing the risk of exposure.
Dr. Safai also raised concerns about ranitidine, sold under the brand name Zantac, an anti-heartburn drug that was removed from the market in 2020. Investigations revealed that Zantac contained high levels of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a chemical linked to an increased risk of cancers in organs like the liver, stomach, and prostate. Although Zantac was recalled, Dr. Safai warned that some people might still have it in their homes. She recommended alternatives like Pepsin, which does not contain NDMA, for those who need heartburn relief.
Another medication that Dr. Safai flagged for potential cancer risks was dietary supplements. These products are not regulated, and as a result, their contents can vary widely, sometimes containing harmful substances. She cited studies in which popular supplements, such as melatonin and protein powders, were found to contain dangerous levels of heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium—metals associated with cancer. Because of the lack of regulation and quality control in the supplement industry, Dr. Safai advised her patients to avoid supplements unless they were absolutely necessary for their health.
The final drug that Dr. Safai mentioned was hormone replacement therapy (HRT), used by many women to manage menopause symptoms. While HRT can help with issues like hot flashes and night sweats, it also raises concerns about cancer risk. Like birth control pills, HRT involves the use of estrogen and progesterone, which may increase the risk of certain cancers, especially breast cancer.
However, HRT has also been linked to a decreased risk of other cancers, such as esophageal cancer. Both Dr. Safai and Dr. Ashwin Sharma, a medical communications manager, emphasized the importance of discussing the risks and benefits of HRT with a healthcare provider, as individual risks may vary depending on a person’s health history and condition.
