Cadmium (Cd) is a globally significant environmental toxicant, primarily ingested through dietary sources and secondarily through passive and active smoking. The intestinal absorption of Cd involves transporters for essential metals like iron and zinc, which determine the body burden of Cd due to its limited excretion. Cd has been classified as a human lung carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, but its effects extend beyond the lung, affecting multiple tissues. Epidemiological studies link chronic Cd exposure to an increased risk of various neoplastic diseases, including breast and liver cancer. Body iron stores play a crucial role in Cd absorption, and iron deficiency is associated with higher blood and urinary Cd levels. Dietary factors, such as diet quality and the presence of phytate, also influence Cd absorption and accumulation. Genetic factors, including variants in metal transporters like ZIP8, ZIP14, TFR, and H63D, further contribute to Cd absorption and its health impacts. Experimental studies using a 2-year bioassay in mice demonstrate that Cd can induce tumor formation in multiple organs, including the liver, pancreas, and breast. Non-tumorigenic human cells exposed to low levels of Cd can transform into malignant cells over time, acquiring resistance to Cd-induced cell death through mechanisms involving the ZnT1 efflux transporter. The review highlights the importance of reducing Cd exposure and maintaining adequate body iron stores to mitigate the health risks associated with chronic Cd exposure.Cadmium (Cd) is a globally significant environmental toxicant, primarily ingested through dietary sources and secondarily through passive and active smoking. The intestinal absorption of Cd involves transporters for essential metals like iron and zinc, which determine the body burden of Cd due to its limited excretion. Cd has been classified as a human lung carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, but its effects extend beyond the lung, affecting multiple tissues. Epidemiological studies link chronic Cd exposure to an increased risk of various neoplastic diseases, including breast and liver cancer. Body iron stores play a crucial role in Cd absorption, and iron deficiency is associated with higher blood and urinary Cd levels. Dietary factors, such as diet quality and the presence of phytate, also influence Cd absorption and accumulation. Genetic factors, including variants in metal transporters like ZIP8, ZIP14, TFR, and H63D, further contribute to Cd absorption and its health impacts. Experimental studies using a 2-year bioassay in mice demonstrate that Cd can induce tumor formation in multiple organs, including the liver, pancreas, and breast. Non-tumorigenic human cells exposed to low levels of Cd can transform into malignant cells over time, acquiring resistance to Cd-induced cell death through mechanisms involving the ZnT1 efflux transporter. The review highlights the importance of reducing Cd exposure and maintaining adequate body iron stores to mitigate the health risks associated with chronic Cd exposure.