I mean, we hear all the time that organic food is better for you! Not to mention that pesticides and GMOs are just cancer waiting to happen. Obviously one good reason to eat organic is to avoid all that extra cancer risk; right?
Not even the American Cancer Society buys into all of the organic hype. Based on scientific information (ugh, science always gets in the way of all those organic claims!), the organization isn’t supporting any sensationalized scare campaigns.
Check out from their website’s FAQ regarding those topics of interest:
Do pesticides in foods cause cancer?
Pesticides and herbicides can be toxic when used improperly in industrial, agricultural, or other occupational settings. Although vegetables and fruits sometimes contain low levels of these chemicals, overwhelming scientific evidence supports the overall health benefits and cancer-protective effects of eating vegetables and fruits. At present there is no evidence that residues of pesticides and herbicides at the low doses found in foods increase the risk of cancer, but fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly before eating.
Are foods labeled “organic” more effective in lowering cancer risk?
The term organic is popularly used to designate plant foods grown without pesticides and genetic modifications. At this time, no research exists to demonstrate whether such foods are more effective in reducing cancer risk than are similar foods produced by other farming methods.
What are bioengineered foods, and are they safe?
Bioengineered foods are made by adding genes from other plants or organisms to make a plant more resistant to pests, slow spoilage. Some genes improve flavor, nutrient composition, or make the food easier to transport. In theory, these added genes might create substances that could cause harmful reactions among sensitized or allergic individuals. But there is no evidence at this time that the substances found in bioengineered foods now on the market are harmful or that they would either increase or decrease cancer risk because of the added genes.