Recent buzz on social media has raised concerns about a potential link between sparkling water and cancer. But is there any truth to these claims? We break down the latest research and expert advice.
The primary concern isn't the sparkling water itself, but what might be in its packaging. The spotlight is on a group of man-made chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. Known as "forever chemicals" because they don't easily break down, PFAS can be found in the environment and have been detected in some canned and bottled drinks.&nbsp;Scientific evidence has linked high exposure to certain PFAS to an increased risk of some cancers, like kidney and testicular cancer. From a colorectal health perspective, the worry is that these chemicals could harm the gut.

According to Dr. Steven Lee-Kong, chief of Colorectal Surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center, the concern is how PFAS might interact with the digestive system. "Research suggests that when ingested, PFAS can disrupt the delicate intestinal barrier," he explains. "This can lead to gut inflammation, damage to the intestinal lining, and changes to the gut microbiome." Chronic inflammation is a known risk factor for colorectal cancer.
So, should you ditch your favorite sparkling water? Dr. Lee-Kong advises a measured approach. "My advice is to be a mindful consumer rather than to panic," he says. "The issue is not with sparkling water itself, but with potential contaminants."
Here's what you can do:
<ul><li>Don't Panic: The current science is still evolving, and some studies show that the levels of PFAS in popular sparkling water brands are below federal advisory limits.</li><li>Drink in Moderation: It's difficult for consumers to know the PFAS content of any given product. A sensible approach is to enjoy canned beverages as part of a varied diet.</li><li>Prioritize Filtered Water: Making filtered tap water your main source of hydration is a great strategy. Some water filters, like reverse osmosis or activated carbon systems, are certified to remove PFAS.</li></ul>
Dr. Lee-Kong shares his personal strategy: "My personal approach is to make filtered water my default beverage. I do enjoy sparkling water on occasion, but it is not my daily source of hydration. This approach is based on a principle of minimizing unnecessary exposures where possible while still enjoying things in moderation."
The good news is that regulatory agencies are taking the concern seriously. In 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the first-ever national drinking water standard for several PFAS. This move highlights a growing awareness of the issue and will lead to reduced public exposure from public water systems.
&ldquo;While the link between all types of cancer and PFAS is not definitively established, the widespread presence of these 'forever chemicals' in our environment is a valid concern,&rdquo; says <a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/david-benjamin-greenberg/1319024" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">David Greenberg, M.D., FACP</a>, chief of Hematology / Oncology, Jersey Shore University Medical Center. &ldquo;Research has pointed to a significant association between PFAS exposure and an increased risk for certain malignancies, particularly kidney and testicular cancers. Beyond minimizing direct exposure where possible, it's essential to focus on living a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, to help mitigate your overall cancer risk."&nbsp; The bottom line? While research continues, being an informed and mindful consumer is your best bet for long-term health.For information about Hackensack Meridian Health's Cancer Care services, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/cancer-care" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/cancer-care</a>. To make an appointment with Dr. Greenberg, call 844-HMH-WELL.

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Approximately<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/autism/articles/prevalence-varies-across-us-communities.html#:~:text=Boys%20were%20more%20than%203%20times%20as,not%20related%20to%20higher%20identification%20of%20ASD." target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">&nbsp;1 in 31 children</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. and 1 in 29 in New Jersey are diagnosed with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">autism spectrum disorder</a>&nbsp;&ndash; a developmental disorder that impacts how a person learns, communicates, and engages with others.&nbsp;
With&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/healthier-you/2023/04/24/autism-what-it-looks-like-6-ways-to-help" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">symptoms</a>&nbsp;generally appearing during the first two years of life, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends developmental screening for all children at 9, 18, and 30 months, with specific&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/autism/?srsltid=AfmBOooyeQCh4mXAucil_PYh4gyIrQRYPEa1_tR9PGg_EHH_P6yCxyH3" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">autism screening</a>&nbsp;at 18 and 24 months, underscoring the importance of early identification, specialized care and tailored health care services for this population.
Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey's largest and most comprehensive health network, has developed a suite of innovative programs to provide families living with autism access to a sensory-friendly and supportive health care environment with services available across its hospitals and outpatient facilities.
"The services we've implemented across our network are a testament to our commitment to treat, understand, and accommodate the individual challenges that children with autism and their families face in a healthcare setting,&rdquo; said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/cristina-e-farrell/3015809" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Cristina Farrell, M.D.</a>, division chief, developmental-behavioral pediatrics at K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune. "Our goal is to ensure that all children, including those with autism, receive compassionate and effective care that is attuned to their individual needs."
In addition to an e-learning initiative that has trained more than 10,000 team members - including mandatory participation for pediatric nurses - to better understand autism and learn how to provide a sensory friendly medical environment, Hackensack Meridian Health has implemented key initiatives including:&nbsp;
<ul><li>Sensory Carts: Sensory carts are available across the network in pediatric spaces and are equipped with items such as noise-canceling headphones and other support items to help manage sensory challenges, particularly during stressful procedures like blood draws.&nbsp;</li><li>Patient Passport:&nbsp;a Journey to "Sensory Friendly Care": The Patient Passport is a document completed by caregivers that provides specific information about a patient's triggers and sensory issues, allowing providers to deliver individualized, sensory-friendly care</li><li>Autism Sprint:&nbsp;By expanding diagnostic capacity, reducing bottlenecks, and prioritizing young patients who demonstrate possible behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorders, the Autism Sprint aims to significantly decrease wait times for families seeking a diagnosis in order to begin treatment as early as possible.</li><li>&ldquo;While you Wait:&rdquo;&nbsp; The &ldquo;While you Wait&rdquo; workshop provides families with valuable resources and guidance from the moment they request a developmental evaluation. The workshop explains the evaluation process, fosters shared understanding and helps families determine what services are the right fit.&nbsp;</li></ul>
"Navigating the healthcare system can be incredibly stressful for any family, but for those with a child on the autism spectrum, it presents a unique set of obstacles," said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/eileen-a-dolan/1497182" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Eileen Dolan, M.D.</a>, division chief, developmental-behavioral pediatrics at Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack. "Our approach is designed to empower families, streamline our processes, and ensure the most vulnerable children receive care sooner. These initiatives, born from successful pilots within our children's hospitals, demonstrate our network's ability to innovate and scale solutions that have a real-world impact on patient care and family well-being."&nbsp; More information is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://hackensackmeridianhealth.org/Kids" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Kids</a>.

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In the wake of actress Lupita Nyong'o's recent, candid<a href="https://www.facebook.com/LupitaNyongo/posts/what-i-ordered-%EF%B8%8F-what-i-got-today-is-my-birthday-and-its-got-me-feeling-reflecti/1468557701292262/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow"> social media post</a> about her ongoing battle with 77 uterine fibroids, the conversation around this common but often silently endured condition is more relevant than ever. Her story highlights a critical health issue that affects millions of women, many of whom suffer from debilitating symptoms without knowing their options.
Uterine fibroids (also known as myomas or leiomyomas) range in size from as small as a pinhead to as large as a grapefruit. They affect an estimated 26 million women in the U.S., with more than 15 million experiencing significant symptoms like<a href="https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/healthier-you/2025/08/28/my-period-is-super-heavy-what-is-going-on" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow"> heavy menstrual bleeding</a>, pelvic pain and bladder and bowel dysfunction.<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6247381/#:~:text=10%E2%80%9314,work%20time%20and%20preterm%20delivery)." target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow"> Research shows</a> a staggering prevalence: by age 50, more than 80% of Black women and approximately 70% of white women will develop fibroids. Despite this, women often wait years before seeking a diagnosis and treatment.
"Lupita Nyong'o's story resonates with so many of my patients who have suffered in silence for years with heavy bleeding, pain, and pressure, thinking it was just a normal part of being a woman," says<a href="https://doctors.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/jocelyn-a-carlo/1314264" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow"> Jocelyn Carlo, M.D., FACOG</a>, director of gynecologic surgery at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, N.J. "Fibroids are treatable with more than a hysterectomy. It is vital that women feel empowered to speak up about their symptoms and seek expert care. A diagnosis is the first step toward reclaiming your quality of life, and today, there are more uterus-preserving and minimally invasive options than ever before."
Hackensack Meridian Health is a leader in offering such advanced procedures. A number of HMH sites recently incorporated the Sonata&reg; Transcervical Fibroid Ablation system, a targeted, incision-free procedure, that uses heat to address fibroids. This adds to existing, similar approaches like the Acessa&reg; Laparoscopic Fibroid Ablation system, uterine artery embolization and robotic myomectomies &ndash; offering women a range of minimally invasive options tailored to their specific needs.
"Hackensack Meridian Health is at the forefront of gynecological innovation, and our leadership in advanced fibroid treatment demonstrates this. By integrating cutting-edge technologies like the Sonata&reg; Transcervical Fibroid Ablation system, we are fundamentally changing how we manage fibroids,&rdquo; said<a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/michele-ellen-isaacs/1318643" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow"> Michele Isaacs, M.D</a>, an obstetrician and gynecologist who also specializes in fibroid treatment options. &ldquo;Treatments such as Acessa&reg; , which we utilize at Hackensack University Medical Center, allow us to offer a full spectrum of minimally invasive solutions that preserve the uterus, significantly shorten recovery time, and tailor treatments that are most effective and least disruptive to each patient's unique needs."&nbsp; &nbsp;Learn more about<a href="https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/womens-health" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow"> women&rsquo;s health</a> at Hackensack Meridian Health.

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