I’m a ‘cancer doctor’ – these are the five things you should NEVER have in your home (and the snacks I swear by)

A cancer specialist has revealed the everyday items he refuses to keep in his home.

Dr Amit Garg, a Board Certified Hematologist and Oncologist based in California, regularly shares his no-nonsense health tips to his 225,000 followers.

In a recent video, he shifted focus to the hidden cancer risks that may be lurking in everyday homes – from what’s sizzling on your barbecue to what’s sitting under your kitchen sink. 

One of his strongest warnings was aimed at fans of heavily charred steak, which he said can increase the risk of stomach and colon cancer.

When meat is cooked at very high temperatures, particularly over an open flame, it can form heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

Research from the US National Cancer Institute has shown these compounds can cause DNA changes in laboratory settings, potentially increasing cancer risk.

Health experts generally advise avoiding blackened portions, flipping meat frequently and cooking at lower temperatures where possible.

But it’s not just what’s on your plate that concerns him. Radon, a colourless, odourless gas, is also a key risk factor for lung cancer, he warned.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into homes through cracks in floors and walls.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognises it as the second leading cause of lung cancer globally after smoking.

Because it has no smell or colour, testing is the only way to detect elevated levels, something experts recommend in higher-risk regions.

Dr Garg also urged caution around pesticide chemicals commonly found in and around the home, such as glyphosate, which has been linked to an increased risk of blood cancer despite remaining one of the most widely used herbicides in the world.

Some large observational studies have suggested high levels of occupational exposure to glyphosate may be linked to an increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of blood cancer.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified glyphosate as ‘probably carcinogenic to humans’, though other regulatory bodies argue typical consumer exposure levels are unlikely to pose significant danger; however, the debate, experts say, is ongoing.

Inside the home, pressed wood furniture and some fabrics may also play a role in the form of formaldehyde, which is a known carcinogen according to Dr Garg.

Formaldehyde is used in the production of particleboard, plywood and certain textiles. It has been classified as a known human carcinogen, with long-term exposure linked to cancers including nasopharyngeal cancer and certain types of leukaemia.

Ensuring good ventilation and opting for low-emission certified products can help reduce exposure.

Even home cleaning day isn’t immune from scrutiny as he points out harsh products should be avoided in the home too.

‘[They] produce volatile organic compounds, increasing risk of leukaemia and bladder cancer,’ he added.

Many conventional cleaners release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contribute to indoor air pollution.

While much of the research linking VOC exposure to cancer risk focuses on long-term occupational settings, experts generally recommend using milder alternatives and ensuring proper ventilation when cleaning.

Yet despite his caution around environmental exposures, Dr Garg’s approach to food is refreshingly balanced.

In another clip, he shared his go-to healthy and tasty snacks which included everything from yoghurt and blueberries, Diet Coke, edamame beans, popcorn, apples and peanut butter, chocolate, bell peppers and hummus, to frozen grapes, bananas and walnuts.

However, it was his inclusion of Diet Coke that sparked an immediate debate among followers.

‘Thank you for saying Diet Coke. Diet Dr. Pepper is my one guilty pleasure,’ one wrote.

‘I thought you were just naming several versions of girl dinner,’ another joked.

‘Don’t knock Diet Coke – as a cancer doctor he also knows life is short,’ a third wrote.

Artificially sweetened drinks with ingredients like Aspartame have long been scrutinised, but global food safety agencies have set acceptable daily intake limits for common sweeteners, and most health bodies agree that moderate consumption is unlikely to significantly increase cancer risk.

‘It’s okay to drink a Diet Coke. Aspartame has been studied extensively; at normal intake, it’s considered safe,’ Dr Garg said.