eli5: Why does it seem like everything is carcinogenic and does that mean if it is, it causes cancer?

Question

I feel like I am always hearing about how things are carcinogenic, like red meat or air conditioners or aspartame. Why does it seem like *so* many things are carcinogenic and does that mean they cause cancer? Because it’s starting to feel like everything causes cancer…

This is the type of thing that gets my anxiety going so I’d love if someone who understands this better than I do can explain it.

In: 354

Answer 1

Once I realized that fucking browned potatoes are carcinogenic I stopped paying attention.

You can’t fucking tell me hash browns tater tots and french fries cause cancer and expect that not to ruin my fucking life. French fries are literally everything. I quit smoking, I will NEVER stop eating french fries.