Is fluoride a cause of cancer, as claimed by Pastor Chris? 

Claim: Pastor Chris Oyakhilome claimed that fluoride is a major cause of cancer. 

Verdict: False. Although there are concerns about the risk of cancer from fluoridated water, there is no conclusive evidence linking fluoride to cancer.

Full Text

Over the years, religious leaders have become actors in the information disorder ecosystem, with claims about the COVID-19 vaccine to miraculous healings that shape people’s decision-making. 

Recently, a viral video of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s message warning against the use of products with fluoride went viral. We first saw this on a WhatsApp user’s story.

Details on the video frame showed that it was from the Church’s March global communion service. According to Oyakhilome, fluoride is a major cause of cancer, so people should not use products that contain fluoride.

“God sent me to save your life, and that is why I am bringing this information to you. The next time you are buying milk, look at the description. If you find fluoride there, drop it. Next time you buy toothpaste, check what it contains; if it says fluoride, don’t take it. Fluoride is one of the main causes of cancer. Because if you take it, you are programming yourself to have cancer and several other diseases,” Oyakilome said. 

A keyword search of the claim and the claimant showed that the video had been going viral for weeks on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads. On Instagram, we found posts by @christenbassyikotun, @officialovamedia, @cewellingtonborough, and @Christ_the_hope_of_glory; on Facebook, Loveworld Hub; and on threads by pastorchris_specials. 

The weight of this claim and its virality prompted DUBAWA to verify it.

What is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral found in food, soil, and water. It helps prevent tooth decay and remineralises tooth enamel. While fluoride can be harmful, over-the-counter products like toothpaste do not contain toxic levels. 

Is Fluoride Linked to Cancer? 

Excessive fluoride exposure has been linked to several health issues like dental fluorosis, skeletal fluorosis, thyroid problems, neurological problems, acne and other skin problems, cardiovascular problems, including arteriosclerosis and arterial calcification, high blood pressure, myocardial damage, cardiac insufficiency, heart failure, and reproductive issues. 

According to an article by the National Cancer Institute, research into fluoride and its link to cancer is ongoing, with little evidence that fluoride is harmful or causes cancer.

Daner-Faber Cancer Institute noted that existing studies have failed to find a strong connection between fluoride and cancer over the years. The article acknowledged that fluoridation is a public health measure to reduce dental decay in historically marginalised areas and face barriers to quality dentistry.

A 1991 report titled “Benefits and Risks: Report of the Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Fluoride” by the Public Health Service advocates for fluoride because of its significant dental health benefits but emphasises the need to avoid excessive exposure.

This report recommended further studies on the genotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, and long-term health impacts of fluoride.

One of the concerns raised about fluoride and cancer stemmed from a National Toxicology Program (NTP) study, which found “equivocal evidence” of carcinogenicity in male rats due to rare bone tumours (osteosarcomas). 

A  study on “Exposure to fluoride and risk of primary bone cancer: A systematic review”  revealed that 85 per cent, that is, 12 out of the 14 studies reviewed, did not support a link between fluoride ingestion and the development of bone cancers. This review, however, included a disclaimer noting that most studies had low methodological quality, affecting their findings’ reliability.

A 2011 Journal of Dental Research study found no significant association between bone fluoride levels and osteosarcoma risk.

Experts Opinion 

We spoke to a dentist, Aladetimehin Ademola, who noted that despite concerns about fluoride causing osteosarcoma, there is no evidence to back it up. 

He explained that fluoride is primarily used in dentistry as a toothpaste additive to strengthen teeth. According to him, the tooth’s structure contains hydroxyapatite and fluoride changes that structure from hydroxyapatite to fluorapatite, which is known to be a much stronger structure, thereby protecting the tooth from caries. 

“Fluoride is not a known carcinogen. I’ve heard several opinions about fluoride causing osteosarcoma, but there’s no known evidence seen with excess fluoride  fluorosis.“ 

We also spoke to a Registered Dental Therapist (RDTH), Agu Chioma, who agreed with Aladetimehin, stating that she is unaware of any connection between fluoride and cancer. 

“I’ve never read or heard of any connection with the two,” she said. 

Conclusion

Although concerns have been raised around the risk of cancer from fluoridated water, there is no conclusive evidence that links fluoride and cancer. The claim is, therefore, false.