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Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: And 8 More Myths about the Food We Eat
In this fascinating, refreshingly clarifying book about food, food myths, and how sloppy science perpetuates misconceptions about food, a medical doctor on his way to a conference gets drawn into conversations that answer the following
304 pages, Paperback
Published October 31, 2023
30 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Labos
1 book2 followersDr. Christopher Labos is a cardiologist with a master’s degree in Epidemiology. He is a columnist with the Montreal Gazette and Medscape, featured on the Sunday Morning House Call on CJAD radio, and has a regular TV segment with CTV Montreal and CBC Morning Live. He is an associate with the McGill Office of Science and Society and co-hosts the award-winning podcast “The Body of Evidence.” He occasionally practices as a cardiologist so he can buy groceries. To date no one has asked him for his autograph.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 9, 2025
I am going to recommend this book to everyone. It is a great intro to statistics, biases in research design, and just a great book.
October 4, 2023
This is a very informative book, and I have only good things to say about the science content in it, which is very well detailed and explained. The format of the book, however, leaves a little to be desired : it's structured as if each chapter was a conversation the author has with someone (or multiple someones) else, and in which they explain the truth about a popular science myth. The idea is good, but the execution is a little awkward at times, making it harder for the reader to keep their suspension of disbelief from the first chapter onwards. Still, it's full of interesting information, and would make a nice gift for a teenager interested in learning more about the science of debunking - well, bad science, I suppose.
June 22, 2024
Broke down and explained all the scientific concepts really well + I loved all characters and plot! The conversational style made it super fun to read. Great book all around.
October 4, 2023
I loved this book. It took a very different approach to explaining science. Through a great, fictionalized backstory, Dr Labos explains the good and bad about studies on the health effects of foods. I’ve seen a lot of conflicting information but Dr. Labos describes the studies that took place and explains why these conflicts arise. The true strength of the book to me wasn’t about what I should or should not consume; it was about how these studies are conducted. These lessons in epidemiology are the high points of the book. All the science is very well explained, with humour and the occasional laugh-out-loud moments. Overall this is a great read. Thank you to Netgalley and ECW Press for the advance reader copy.
February 13, 2024
Great information on how to dig deeper to understand the way health studies are reported in the media. It reads like fiction but I must admit I skipped over a lot of the dialogue to just read the sciency bits.
December 23, 2024
Great book dispelling food myths and teaching some statistics and research methods in a story format. Highly recommended!
January 14, 2024
I was so entertained by the story and invested in the characters, I almost forgot that the author is doing important critical work with this book. In true Socratic tradition, Dr. Labos employs dialectical reason to challenge all manner of obstacles in health communication from spurious correlation, to market greed, from statistical error to hearsay. In an age when the medical establishment is often usurped by the medical industry and its alternatives, and pure scientific inquiry supplanted by sponsored studies, Dr. Labos’ commitment to immanent critique is crucial. The advent of social media platforms has further muddied the waters by giving rise to conspiracy theorists and contrarians, making Dr. Labos’ measured responses all the more valuable.
September 20, 2023
Dr. Labos has taken a massive amount of information around some common health related ideas and written a book in a way to help break that information down into understandable language. His book is similar to 'The Millionaire Next Door' by T.J. Stanley that looked at the world of finances and investments where conversations with average citizens are used to break down scientific and technical language. In Labos' book he meets several people on a plane, an old friend, and a barista to look at issues such as coffee, salt, red wine and chocolate to name a few. He explains the problems with some research studies and goes over flaws in most food/drink relates studies. The end of the book contains a chapter by chapter break down of all the sited studies for the reader should someone want to know more.
I appreciated this style of writing as the information covered can be quite overwhelming and having an epidemiologist summarize and review all the relevant studies, as well as describe the information gathering methods used in the studies, is incredibly helpful. The conversations are of course fake so at times feel a bit unrealistic but the method of information delivery is overall good.
'Medical studies are like movies. Not all of them are good.'
'The problem is old myths die slow deaths.'
'The core principles still hold true, and you know what those are. You know how to eat right. You don't need me to tell you. That's why this isn't a diet book. This is a love story.'
Thank you to ECW Press and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I appreciated this style of writing as the information covered can be quite overwhelming and having an epidemiologist summarize and review all the relevant studies, as well as describe the information gathering methods used in the studies, is incredibly helpful. The conversations are of course fake so at times feel a bit unrealistic but the method of information delivery is overall good.
'Medical studies are like movies. Not all of them are good.'
'The problem is old myths die slow deaths.'
'The core principles still hold true, and you know what those are. You know how to eat right. You don't need me to tell you. That's why this isn't a diet book. This is a love story.'
Thank you to ECW Press and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2023
It’s a LOT of information and some of it I trudged through. But I really enjoyed the conversational aspect of how the author got the facts vs. myth across.
November 13, 2023
Dr. Labos is a cardiologist with a master’s degree in epidemiology who looks at many of the food “studies” that have been thrown out by the media and other outlets that expose not only some of the misinformation that people today jump on and run on but also how some studies are brought about by the companies who have vested interest in the products.
The book adds humor to it with the characters that are met along with way including a couple who meet on the plane and start dating to some of the interaction with a barista at the coffee shop, and the college pal’s witty comments throughout their conversations.
For an in-depth review, visit my page at: lancewrites.wordpress.com/2023/11/13/...
The book adds humor to it with the characters that are met along with way including a couple who meet on the plane and start dating to some of the interaction with a barista at the coffee shop, and the college pal’s witty comments throughout their conversations.
For an in-depth review, visit my page at: lancewrites.wordpress.com/2023/11/13/...
October 9, 2023
This book was much more than I expected. I love how the author made an effort to make a book about food myths and statistics an enjoyable read by incorporating an entertaining mathematical love story. Dr. Labos explains math in a way that makes this topic interesting to someone who loathes math but understands the importance of research and statistics. In a world where clickbait and article skimming are the norm, Dr. Labos makes it a point to teach readers to read between the lines and to not trust everything on the internet!
Thank you to Netgalley and ECW Press for the advance reader copy.
Thank you to Netgalley and ECW Press for the advance reader copy.
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June 8, 2024The world is filled with conflicting reports about the foods we eat. There is always great debates among the experts, about one thing being good for us, while another person says the total opposite. There have even been people saying too much water can harm us. Now we get a book DOES COFFEE CAUSE CANCER? where cardiologist Dr. Christopher Labos looks into nine very widely held myths about areas of foods, that many have taken for granted over the decades.
One of the topics that is discussed in the book, asks about coffee having cancer-causing properties. There are studies that were followed, that involved people with pancreatic cancer and those with breast or prostate cancer. Was there any evidence that they had more coffee than others? There was a control group and the bottom line of the research indicated there was no link at all.
It always is interesting how so many people study areas of life that are speculative, while others when faced with the fact cancer and smoking are connected, do not seem as concerned. There are many other topics in the book that have been the basis for debate on a continual basis. Another area of interest is the notion of red wine being good for your heart. We have heard this quite often as well, which works wells for those in the wine industry. There are debates about just how much wine one requires to produce heart healthy results. It seems one might have to consume massive doses to become a heart healthy individual. Of course if you overcompensate, you might be too inebriated to know how your heart is doing.
Other areas in the book that Dr. Labos delves into are the myths of Vitamin C fights the common cold, hot dogs are as bad as cigarettes, some salt is good for you, chocolate is health food, breakfast’s the most important meal of the day, caffeine can trigger heart attacks, and vitamin D is the cure for everything.
While some of the research done may be more suspect that concrete evidence proving it, the good doctor writes in such a manner where he combines fact with doses of humour as well. For an informative read, DOES COFFEE CAUSE CANCER? Invites the reader to explore the myth busting comments, and draw their own conclusion for the arguments.
One of the topics that is discussed in the book, asks about coffee having cancer-causing properties. There are studies that were followed, that involved people with pancreatic cancer and those with breast or prostate cancer. Was there any evidence that they had more coffee than others? There was a control group and the bottom line of the research indicated there was no link at all.
It always is interesting how so many people study areas of life that are speculative, while others when faced with the fact cancer and smoking are connected, do not seem as concerned. There are many other topics in the book that have been the basis for debate on a continual basis. Another area of interest is the notion of red wine being good for your heart. We have heard this quite often as well, which works wells for those in the wine industry. There are debates about just how much wine one requires to produce heart healthy results. It seems one might have to consume massive doses to become a heart healthy individual. Of course if you overcompensate, you might be too inebriated to know how your heart is doing.
Other areas in the book that Dr. Labos delves into are the myths of Vitamin C fights the common cold, hot dogs are as bad as cigarettes, some salt is good for you, chocolate is health food, breakfast’s the most important meal of the day, caffeine can trigger heart attacks, and vitamin D is the cure for everything.
While some of the research done may be more suspect that concrete evidence proving it, the good doctor writes in such a manner where he combines fact with doses of humour as well. For an informative read, DOES COFFEE CAUSE CANCER? Invites the reader to explore the myth busting comments, and draw their own conclusion for the arguments.
April 18, 2024
And 8 more myths about the food we eat
This is a refreshing book and an original way to clarify about food, food myths and the misconceptions sloppy science perpetuates. The story is told in conversations between a medical doctor on his way to a conference and people he met along the way.
Although this novel is fiction, the research and conclusions are documented in the Journal of Medicine and you will see extensive references at the end of the book to solidify the doctor’s point of view.
Each chapter is dedicated to one subject and can be fun to read. Whether vitamin C prevents the common cold, the cons of eating red meat, having too much salt, drinking coffee, red wine, eggs, the benefits of vitamin D and yes, perhaps even chocolate are all discussed to no end.
Since a lot of research is being based on inaccurate data Montreal Dr . Christopher Labos a cardiologist with a degree in epidemiology who has gained notice as a frequent commentator in local print and broadcast media strongly clarifies the misconceptions about food. To give his first person narrative more of a personal touch he also has integrated a love story to the mix. All characters are fictitious but those who know Dr. Labos will picture his face while reading this book. I know I did.
The concept is quite original and the presentation even more but although interesting it can also be somewhat boring. But what is important to know is each chapter provides us with some very important and valuable medical advice.
The story in a few words:
A Dr . en route to a medical conference in California meets two people and for the entire flight engage into detailed discussion about vitamin C. Then he meets a pretty waitress at a coffee shop again engage once more in medical talk and then comes his old friend.... guess what he talks about.....
My conclusion:
It’s a story about epidemiology and medical research and how abstract things apply to the food you eat every day is a difficult to get into and also to stay with it. Extremely well researched and said this book was good but what I took out of it: Everything in moderation and I will be fine.
This is a refreshing book and an original way to clarify about food, food myths and the misconceptions sloppy science perpetuates. The story is told in conversations between a medical doctor on his way to a conference and people he met along the way.
Although this novel is fiction, the research and conclusions are documented in the Journal of Medicine and you will see extensive references at the end of the book to solidify the doctor’s point of view.
Each chapter is dedicated to one subject and can be fun to read. Whether vitamin C prevents the common cold, the cons of eating red meat, having too much salt, drinking coffee, red wine, eggs, the benefits of vitamin D and yes, perhaps even chocolate are all discussed to no end.
Since a lot of research is being based on inaccurate data Montreal Dr . Christopher Labos a cardiologist with a degree in epidemiology who has gained notice as a frequent commentator in local print and broadcast media strongly clarifies the misconceptions about food. To give his first person narrative more of a personal touch he also has integrated a love story to the mix. All characters are fictitious but those who know Dr. Labos will picture his face while reading this book. I know I did.
The concept is quite original and the presentation even more but although interesting it can also be somewhat boring. But what is important to know is each chapter provides us with some very important and valuable medical advice.
The story in a few words:
A Dr . en route to a medical conference in California meets two people and for the entire flight engage into detailed discussion about vitamin C. Then he meets a pretty waitress at a coffee shop again engage once more in medical talk and then comes his old friend.... guess what he talks about.....
My conclusion:
It’s a story about epidemiology and medical research and how abstract things apply to the food you eat every day is a difficult to get into and also to stay with it. Extremely well researched and said this book was good but what I took out of it: Everything in moderation and I will be fine.
August 28, 2025
I have been trying to get out of my habit of rating too many books 5 stars on goodreads, but man this was great.
Labos writes a compelling and very funny story, explaining the science behind many common food myths. To be honest, it was kind of scary how often I saw myself reflected by the main character. His way of thinking and talking to people is just so relatable, although I tend to give a lot less unsolicited advice about medical misinformation.
Even as someone who reads a lot of medical literature and had read or at least heard of the vast majorities of the cited studies, the book was still interesting.
I also used to enjoy a Dr. Labos' podcast, but have started to listen to it less and less, after there were a handful of rather bad episodes. While yes, the bad information was presented by guests in a field that Dr. Labos is no expert in, it still makes trusting the episodes I know less about very hard. However, that doesn't subtract from this book. Labos knows what he's talking about.
Labos writes a compelling and very funny story, explaining the science behind many common food myths. To be honest, it was kind of scary how often I saw myself reflected by the main character. His way of thinking and talking to people is just so relatable, although I tend to give a lot less unsolicited advice about medical misinformation.
Even as someone who reads a lot of medical literature and had read or at least heard of the vast majorities of the cited studies, the book was still interesting.
I also used to enjoy a Dr. Labos' podcast, but have started to listen to it less and less, after there were a handful of rather bad episodes. While yes, the bad information was presented by guests in a field that Dr. Labos is no expert in, it still makes trusting the episodes I know less about very hard. However, that doesn't subtract from this book. Labos knows what he's talking about.
October 12, 2024
I first heard about this author and book on Eric Topol’s podcast. I remember hearing praises like “what a distinct way for science education”, “teaching people statistical concepts with beautiful storytelling”, etc. Not exactly these words, but close. The idea is amazing. Blending hard science with compelling storytelling. However, the author fails spectacularly at putting this into practice. There was too much dialogue, back and fort between characters. Too much “I said” “he said” “she said”. Too much sarcasm. Too much jokes. And each myth has almost identical conversation plot. In short, you get too distracted to focus on the actual subject. I remember almost nothing from the book. 2 stars for the idea and the effort, but that is it.
December 1, 2025
3.5
Was skeptical at reading a book about food myths from an MD, but I'm pleasantly surprise.
The book is a retelling/fiction of a business trip and the MC is explaining the research context of each myth. While not of the myths were a surprise to me I really appreciated the approach to talk about the semantics of researches and how it's not black & white, many things need to be understand/ contextualized before saying a food is bad. It think it's a good start for people who is not in academia or food science, but don't read it expecting to know more about food itself. The main take away should be that the dose make the poison.
Was skeptical at reading a book about food myths from an MD, but I'm pleasantly surprise.
The book is a retelling/fiction of a business trip and the MC is explaining the research context of each myth. While not of the myths were a surprise to me I really appreciated the approach to talk about the semantics of researches and how it's not black & white, many things need to be understand/ contextualized before saying a food is bad. It think it's a good start for people who is not in academia or food science, but don't read it expecting to know more about food itself. The main take away should be that the dose make the poison.
March 15, 2024
A humorous talk about myths between two friends and Dr Labos. I was fascinated with how these myths came to be and how they've kept circulating. Some statistics on health studies,.... and then my eyes glazed over. But I can see how many myths are put out by companies selling products and this continues to this day with the word 'natural' being overused. I wonder what we will find out about organic products in 20 years.
Vitamin C, red meat, salt, vit d, coffee, red wine, dark chocolate, eggs are all mentioned.
Vitamin C, red meat, salt, vit d, coffee, red wine, dark chocolate, eggs are all mentioned.
May 9, 2024
Interesting approach to “common sense” about medical rumors and myths. I not only liked the information that it gives, but I appreciate the overall format. It put the whole thing in a relatable set of conversations and, yes, theoretical potential “love stories” that were totally unnecessary but added a bit of a kick and motivation. And it was nice to see some clarifications on statistics and both unintentional and purposeful misrepresenting results and perceptions of various foods and medications and vitamins.
October 1, 2025
Dr. Labos makes scientific research and (mis)information easy to navigate. I enjoyed reading this book because it felt like a friend talking to me about different food and their effects on the human body, in an understandable way.
It was even more interesting because the stories were his (fictional) conversations with individuals that he met. I would be exhausted by a lengthy discussion on the plane about coffee or wine, but it was an effective way to discuss the issues. I also liked the love stories that grew from these conversations. Definitely some meet-cute inspiration!
It was even more interesting because the stories were his (fictional) conversations with individuals that he met. I would be exhausted by a lengthy discussion on the plane about coffee or wine, but it was an effective way to discuss the issues. I also liked the love stories that grew from these conversations. Definitely some meet-cute inspiration!
September 9, 2024
Fictional dialogs in coffee shops and airports about epidemiology. I listened to the audio version. I found myself distracted wondering if I liked or didn’t like the characters and so can’t remember much of the details about bias and cofounders etc. When chapter 2 started I thought I hated all the characters and cheesy dialog. They grew on me but would not recommend this one unless the style appeals to you.
February 28, 2024
I enjoy the Body of Evidence podcast with Labos, so the book is exactly what I expected. If you regularly listen to the podcast, I don't think it is worth reading. I you don't, it is worth reading for the engaging style and practical approach to evidence. Of course, you can also try the Body of Evidence podcast.
February 6, 2025
A love story wrapped in medical literature
A clever book that entertains the heart with a good old-fashioned love story or two and entertains the mind with explanations behind popular medical myths that persist like the clover in my front lawn. Well done!!
A clever book that entertains the heart with a good old-fashioned love story or two and entertains the mind with explanations behind popular medical myths that persist like the clover in my front lawn. Well done!!
August 12, 2025
Spoiler alert: the author wraps legitimate scientific skepticism in a series of stories baked in valiant attempts at humour. The knowledge is worthwhile, the stories less so. But I understand the desire to make the science more palatable.
January 24, 2024
Making a mathematical and medical topic easily digestible is hard, and Labos does it very nicely here. The more of us who have an idea how this works, the better our world.
January 30, 2024
The fictional narrative is a bit over the top at times, but it's an effective vehicle for sharing what might otherwise be somewhat dry and complex material.
February 28, 2024
i don't like this "conversation" style but for some reason every other book i read is like that. otherwise, fun!
January 30, 2025
Superbly useful book! It does not give specific details about foods and medical conditions, but it shows how to evaluate studies and news reports on health issues, which is crucial today.
April 6, 2025
A great book to help the layman understand the complexities involved in medical studies. I found the author talked down to the reader a bit.
October 18, 2025
So delightfully nerdy. Loved it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews