5 Things Doctors Say Parents Should Avoid to Help Reduce Kids’ Cancer Risk

Cancer is one of the most frightening diagnoses a family can face. It doesn’t only affect the person who is sick—it can reshape the daily life, emotions, and routines of parents, siblings, grandparents, and close friends. And while many people associate cancer with adulthood, the heartbreaking truth is that children of all ages can be affected, from infants to teenagers.

Some families have shared stories that underline how cruel and unpredictable childhood cancer can be. Luke Morin, just five years old, was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG)—a rare and extremely aggressive childhood brain tumor. His family has dedicated themselves to raising awareness and funding research in hopes of helping future children. Another child, Garrett Matthias, fought a rare pediatric cancer for months. Even while sick, he expressed how he wanted to be remembered—asking for a joyful celebration rather than a traditional funeral, a wish his parents honored through a “celebration of life.”

These stories can leave many parents asking a painful question: “Did I do something wrong?” The most important answer is: No. Childhood cancer is complex. It can involve genetics, random cell changes, and environmental exposures that parents cannot fully control. Still, doctors emphasize that families can make certain everyday choices that may reduce exposure to potential carcinogens and hormone-disrupting chemicals, especially because children’s bodies are still developing.

Below are five things many doctors recommend parents limit or avoid, along with safer, practical alternatives.

1) Ultra-Processed Meats (Hot Dogs, Bacon, Sausages)

Ultra-processed meats often contain preservatives such as nitrates and nitrites, which can form potentially carcinogenic compounds in the body—especially affecting the digestive tract.

Key concerns:

• Higher exposure to preservatives linked to harmful byproducts in the gut
• Children may be more vulnerable because their digestive systems are still developing
• Often high in salt and saturated fat, which can contribute to long-term health issues

Better swaps:

• Fresh, lean meats (chicken, turkey, lean beef, fish)
• Homemade meatballs or patties where you control ingredients
• Beans, lentils, tofu, or other plant-based proteins
• If you do serve processed meats, keep it occasional, not daily

2) Sugary Drinks (Sodas, Energy Drinks, and Some “Juices”)

Sugary beverages can rapidly increase daily sugar intake and are strongly associated with weight gain and metabolic issues over time. Some drinks also contain artificial colors, flavorings, and preservatives, which many parents prefer to minimize for children.

Key concerns:

• High sugar intake can contribute to obesity and insulin resistance
• Energy drinks may include high caffeine and stimulants, which are not appropriate for kids
• Some “juice” products are closer to sugar drinks than whole fruit nutrition

Better swaps:

• Water (plain, sparkling, or infused with fruit slices)
• Milk or unsweetened fortified alternatives when appropriate
• Whole fruit smoothies (use whole fruit, add yogurt or oats, avoid added sugar)
• If using juice, choose 100% juice, serve small portions, and don’t treat it like water

3) Plastic Containers and Bottles (Especially with BPA/BPS)

Certain plastics can leach chemicals into food or drinks. One well-known example is Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that can act as an endocrine disruptor, meaning it may interfere with hormones. Even products labeled “BPA-free” may contain similar substitutes (like BPS) that raise similar concerns.

Key concerns:

• Hormone-disrupting chemicals can mimic or interfere with natural hormones
• Heat can increase leaching—especially when plastics are microwaved or exposed to hot liquids
• Children have smaller bodies and developing systems, so dose and timing of exposure matter

Safer habits:

• Use glass, stainless steel, or food-grade silicone when possible
• Never microwave plastic containers or plastic wrap
• Avoid pouring hot liquids into plastic bottles
• Replace worn plastic (scratched, cloudy, cracked) because damage may increase leaching

4) Heavily Fried or Charred Foods

Cooking at very high temperatures—especially frying or charring—can create chemicals that researchers associate with increased cancer risk over time. Two commonly discussed examples are acrylamide (often in heavily cooked starchy foods) and HCAs/PAHs (linked to high-heat cooking of meats).

Key concerns:

• Frequent intake of deep-fried foods increases exposure to high-heat byproducts
• Blackened/charred surfaces can contain more of these compounds
• These foods are often high in unhealthy fats and low in nutrients

Better cooking methods:

• Steaming, boiling, baking, stewing, or sautéing at moderate heat
• If grilling, avoid charring:
  • Trim burnt parts off
  • Cook at lower heat and flip more often
  • Marinate meats (often helps reduce high-heat compound formation)
• Choose golden-brown rather than dark or blackened

5) Talc-Based Baby Powder and Products with Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives

Some parents choose to avoid talc-based powders due to concerns about contamination risks in certain contexts. Additionally, some personal care products may include preservatives that can release formaldehyde, a chemical classified as carcinogenic in other exposure settings. Parents often prefer to minimize routine exposure—especially in products used frequently on children.

Key concerns:

• Talc-based powders may raise safety concerns depending on sourcing and contamination risks
• Some wipes, shampoos, and lotions can include formaldehyde-releasing ingredients
• Daily-use products can lead to repeated low-level exposure over time

Safer choices:

• Pick talc-free baby powders (or skip powder entirely if not needed)
• Choose products labeled formaldehyde-free when available
• Simplify routines: fewer products often means fewer chemicals
• If your child has sensitive skin, consider fragrance-free options as well

What Parents Should Remember

• No prevention plan can guarantee cancer will never occur. Childhood cancers can develop even when families do everything “right.”
• The goal of these recommendations is risk reduction, not fear.
• Children are still growing, so reducing unnecessary exposures—especially to certain additives, high-heat byproducts, and hormone-disrupting chemicals—can be a sensible, practical approach.

If you want to make changes without feeling overwhelmed, start small:

• Replace one processed food habit this week.
• Switch one daily drink to water.
• Upgrade one food container from plastic to glass or stainless steel.

Small, consistent steps can add up—and they help you focus on what every parent wants most: supporting a child’s long-term health in everyday life.