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False Ideas About What Causes Cancer Are Rampant
Cancer is caused by stress, food additives, and eating genetically modified foods, right? Actually, WRONG.
Unfounded beliefs about cancer are widespread, according to a recent study by researchers at University College London and the University of Leeds.
The researchers surveyed 1,330 people in England and found that more than 40% incorrectly believed that stress and food additives caused cancer, while around 35% incorrectly believed that genetically modified (GMO) foods and electromagnetic frequencies caused cancer.
None of these apparent causes of cancer are supported by scientific evidence, yet incorrect information abounds online and appears to be fuelling a lot of the cancer misinformation. In short, fake news is distorting our knowledge of cancer and the actions we can take to reduce the risk of developing cancer.
“It’s worrying to see so many people endorse risk factors for which there is no convincing evidence,” said Dr. Samuel Smith of the University of Leeds. “Compared to past research it appears the number of people believing in unproven causes of cancer has increased since the start of the century… It’s vital to improve public education about the causes of cancer if we want to help people make informed…
