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Five oncologists speak on the interaction between microplastics and cancer, and what you can do about it.

Oncologist Key Points

• Oncologists recommend making low-lift kitchen swaps, like grabbing glass containers, stainless steel cookware and wooden cutting boards over plastic versions.
• We’ve rigorously tested our recommendations, including Bentgo glass containers, Lodge cast-iron skillets and Earlywood wooden kitchen utensils.
• Doctors express concerns about microplastic data, noting that it’s a good idea to take reasonable precautions when you can, but not to be in fear of plastic.
• Remember that cancer risk doesn’t increase from a single exposure to anything, like microplastics—it is multifactorial.

Cancer is a disease that has touched all of us in one way or another. It’s a complex topic that feels intimidating and heavy for many reasons. Oncologists are doctors who dedicate their careers to caring for cancer patients, figuring out what’s happening, and developing a treatment plan. That’s why they’re the people I go to for advice on concerning topics, such as microplastics and forever chemicals. Their clinical approach is not just rooted in fact; it’s also realistic and oftentimes uplifting.

To gain detailed insights from oncologists on microplastics, I chatted with five active physicians: Medical Oncologist Hematologist Danielle N. Krol, MDat Jupiter Medical Center Physician Group; Medical Director of Oncology Care, Asma Dilawari, MDat Thyme Care; Medical Director Elias Obeid, M.D., MPHat Hackensack Meridian Hennessy Institute for Cancer Prevention and Applied Molecular Medicine and The Oncology Brothers, Rohit Gosain, M.D. and Rahul Gossain, MD, MBAwho are both medical directors. As a health-conscious cook and product tester, I am always wondering what I can do to help my loved ones and myself, including the choices I make in the kitchen every day. With these experts’ thoughtful insights and actionable advice, I can do just that. Read their tips below.

Tip #1: Now’s a good time to swap plastic containers and cookware that’s chipped, warped or old

“There is so much debate among oncologists about why there is an alarming rate of young patients with cancer,” says Krol. “As an oncologist and cancer prevention specialist, I am concerned that microplastics are contributing to the alarming rates. Although we do not yet have definitive evidence proving common kitchen microplastic exposure directly causes cancer, it is a serious concern because some of the chemicals associated with plastics are known endocrine disruptors, and some have been shown in animal and occupational exposure studies to be carcinogenic, or cancer-causing,” she added.

All of the doctors agreed that, if you have the means to, it’s a good idea to swap your old nonstick cookware and plastic containers, particularly if they are chipped or damaged. Each of the swaps below has been tried and tested in our editors’ kitchens countless times.

Bentgo Glass Container Set

$60 at Amazon

“I do not think people should become fearful of every plastic container in their kitchen, but I do think we are entering an era where reducing the unnecessary environmental toxin exposure is becoming part of a comprehensive cancer prevention effort,” says Krol. These Bentgo containers are my go-to glass containers because they are a true upgrade from plastic. The bases are borosilicate glass, and the lids are made of silicone and tempered glass. They’re not too heavy, seal tightly, have a low-profile design and are safe for the refrigerator, freezer, microwave and dishwasher.

Calphalon 3-Ply Stainless Steel Pan

$50 at Amazon

“The most useful advice I give patients is to focus on what they can actually control. In the kitchen, replace worn or scratched nonstick pans with cast-ironstainless steel, carbon steel or true ceramic alternatives,” says Obeid. We love the Calphalon stainless steel cookware because it’s priced fairly for its performance and design. This 10-inch skillet is useful for a variety of tasks, like searing protein or sautéing vegetables.

Stasher Silicone Storage Bag

$14 at Amazon

Over the years, I’ve been far less inclined to use single-use plastics, like plastic bags. Stasher’s silicone bags are an extremely durable alternative. The seal is arguably stronger than any plastic variety you’ll find, and they are reusable for years to come.

Bees Wrap Beeswax Wrap

$25 $23 at Amazon

Beeswax wraps have been such a fun addition to my kitchen. They’re made from beeswax, which seals with the warmth of your hands. Though the brand sells pre-cut optionsthis particular pack is cut-to-size, which I like since I can use as little as possible without waste. Plus, I often reuse the pieces for the same ingredients, so I have a custom-sized wrap each time.

Lodge Cast-Iron Skillet

$25 at Amazon

“Swap out scratched or degraded nonstick cookware, which can shed particles, for cast-iron, stainless steel, and ceramic alternatives,” say the Gosain brothers. Nonstick needs replacing over time anyway, so switching to cast-iron is also smart since it lasts a long time. Lodge makes quality cast-iron despite its low prices. Spend $25 on this skillet today, and you have a pan you can use for life if you care for it properly.

Anyday Microwaveable Glass Container

$30 at Amazon

Doctors recommend being mindful of what you’re heating your food in, as heating foods in plastic, especially if they’re “hot, acidic or fatty,” says Obeid, increases microplastic exposure. Made from glass, stainless steel and silicone, this Anyday container is a genius workaround for cooking, reheating and storage. The lid’s handle doubles as a vent you can open and close before putting it in the microwave, so you can not only reheat leftovers, but also fully cook foods like broccoli, eggs and potatoes.

Tip #2: Consider a water filter and avoid plastic water bottles

“Install a quality water filter,” says Obeid. “Carbon-block or reverse-osmosis systems handle many contaminants, including PFAS, reasonably well.”

Lifestraw Home Glass Water Filter Pitcher

$65 at Amazon

This glass LifeStraw pitcher is an easy way to try filtering your drinking water. It uses a 2-stage filtration system consisting of a micromembrane filter and a carbon-ion exchange filter. Combined, these filters can help reduce PFAS and microplastics.

BrüMate Era 20-Ounce Tumbler with Handle and Straw

$35 at Amazon

With so many great reusable bottles on the market, there’s far less need to carry plastic water bottles. This BrüMate Era tumbler is my favorite on the market because it’s well-insulated and has a stainless steel straw, which is great for cold and hot beverages.

Tip #3: Choose wood over plastic

Among Obeid’s detailed tips, he also recommends “choosing wooden cutting boards over plastic.”

John Boos Chop-N-Slice Series Rectangular Maple Cutting Board

$49 at Amazon

Switching from plastic to wooden cutting boards is a simple swap that helps prevent additional particles from finding their way into your food. John Boos is a reliable brand, and this model is a favorite of ours because it’s a middle-of-the-road investment made from the brand’s high-quality wood.

Earlywood 13-Inch Wooden Kitchen Utensil

$22 at Amazon

I’d reach for this wooden spatula over all plastic options, not only for its material, but also for its functionality. The thin, flat design can do it all: flip, toss, stir, scrape and scoop. I own tons of these, and they’ve lasted me years in my kitchen with daily use. I love that they are handmade and beautiful to look at, too.

Tip #4: Remember that microplastics are just one part of the bigger picture

Lastly, do keep this in mind: Many of the doctors emphasize that while reducing your plastic exposure can be a positive step, it’s not an end-all, be-all. “Microplastics are one piece of a much larger picture,” say the Gosain brothers regarding cancer risk. Still, they say that “The steps to reduce [microplastics] exposure are relatively low-cost and low-burden,” so it’s worthwhile to follow the above tips if you’re able to.

“If you have concerns about your cancer risk, the best starting point is a conversation with your physician about your personal history and what screening or lifestyle changes make sense for you,” say the Gosain brothers.

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