Refined oil usage is the leading cause of cancer in many of the tropical regions.

The edible vegetable oil, palm oil regularly used in tropical countries, could cause cancer as it undergoes chemical processes in oil refineries.

There is considerable evidence that proves dietary fat intake plays a vital role in determining cancer risk. A national prospective case-control in Scotland showed that Palmitic Acid, together with total Monounsaturated Fatty Acids(MUFA) and other saturated fatty acids (SFAs), were positively associated colorectal cancer risk in a dose-dependent manner.

Oil Benzene is a solvent used in the rubber industry, oil refineries, and other industries. The risk of Acute myeloid leukemia(AML) is increased if there is long-term exposure to benzene. Some researches have also suggested that chemicals such as benzene and certain herbicides and insecticides may be linked to an increased Non-Hodgkin lymphoma(NHL) risk. Research to clarify these potential links is still in progress. Vegetable oil often turns into trans-fat, which is unhealthy and contributes to liver, diabetes, obesity, gastrointestinal disease, and even cancer.

According to the European Food Safety Authority(EFSA), palm oil can cause cancer when processed at high temperatures. More review is needed to confirm these findings and their effect on human trials. The other reasons for cancer are biological or internal factors, environmental exposure, and lifestyle-related factors, the usage of refined oil could be one of the reasons for cancer. Consumption of this oil with caution and moderation may lessen its harmful effects.