TL;DR: No, tampons do not cause cancer as far as we know.
They’re regulated, tested for safety, and widely used. But knowing what’s in your products is always a smart move.
You might have seen people talking about this on TikTok or other social media. These fears come from a very reasonable place — people care about what goes into their bodies and want to stay safe. Bold claims like “tampons cause cancer” can get a lot of attention online, which encourages more posts about it. It’s a mix of genuine concern and social media engagement.
Concerns about tampons and cancer have come up over the years because of:
Here, we will address common concerns about tampons and cancer, as well as clear up any misconceptions about tampon safety and health risks.
Most tampons are made of:
Today, tampon manufacturers use elemental chlorine-free (ECF) bleaching, which does not produce dangerous levels of dioxins. Bleaching is a necessary step because it removes natural pigments and impurities from cotton or rayon fibers, ensuring that the tampons are clean, uniform and non-irritating. Without this purification step, residual plant materials could affect absorbency and increase the risk of irritation or contamination.
In 2024 a study showed that tampons do in fact contain heavy metals, which can be unsafe if humans are exposed to them in any amount, but it’s still unclear whether tampon use actually does expose a person to them. These heavy metals are thought to be there because of certain agricultural or manufacturing processes. It’s not uncommon for heavy metals to be found in agricultural products specifically (like cotton) because of heavy metals leaching into soil. Some heavy metals are necessary parts of biological functions, while others are unsafe to be exposed to in any amount, like lead.
Fun Fact: Dioxin exposure from tampons is extremely low — lower than what we typically get from food like meat, dairy, and fish.
Not as far as we know.
Tampons themselves have not been linked to cancer by any major health organization, including:
What about scented tampons?
Some people choose to avoid scented tampons or pads because added fragrances can irritate sensitive skin or vaginal tissue, especially for people with allergies or conditions like vaginitis. There is no evidence that scented tampons cause cancer.
If you are sensitive, unscented products are usually the gentlest option.
Are organic tampons safer?
Organic tampons are made from organic cotton and are free from fragrances and dyes. When it comes to cancer risk, there is no evidence that organic tampons are safer than regular ones.
Use whatever feels most comfortable. Organic is a personal choice, not a medical necessity.
While tampons don’t cause cancer, Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare but serious infection linked to tampon use.
What is TSS?
TSS is a rare infection that happens when certain bacteria (usually Staphylococcus aureus (staph)) make toxins that enter the body. Symptoms often start as flu-like symptoms — fever, chills, feeling weak or dizzy, nausea, or a rash — and it’s important to get medical care right away if you notice them while using a tampon. TSS isn’t caused by tampons themselves, but by growing bacteria when a tampon is worn for too long or has a greater absorbency than needed for your flow.
Tips to reduce risk:
If something feels different from your usual — like sudden fever, unusual discharge, or symptoms that just won’t go away — it is okay to reach out for care. Googling symptoms often shows you worst-case scenarios (this can be especially true about cancer) and can increase anxiety instead of providing real answers. A healthcare professional can help you understand what’s happening in a way that is specific to you.
It’s completely reasonable to wonder about what goes into your body and want to make the safest choices possible. Some of the concerns about tampons grew out of historical practices and sometimes can be amplified by general skepticism towards menstrual products. Today, tampons are made with safety in mind, but we’re always learning new things about the products we use on a daily basis. Paying attention to your body, using products as intended and recommended, and asking healthcare professionals when something feels off are the best ways to stay safe while navigating all the information out there.
If you have questions about this topic, feel free to contact one of our peer educators. [Link]
Last Edited: January 2026
It’s not always easy to know when you’re in a controlling relationship, this article talks about 5 common signs of controlling partners and how to spot them!
We sat down with Arti, one of the coordinators for Planned Parenthood Toronto’s LGBTQ Youth Initiative, to talk about the initiative, how to run such a program, and supports for LGBTQ youth in the city. Check it out!
Getting back into the swing of things is always tricky, but after two years of lockdowns and periodic isolation? Oh boy! Here are a few tips on dating and relationships as you continue navigating through the pandemic.
