Cancer Risk and Cancer Survivors

Americans Confused about Cancer

The public perception about cancer risk is grim. According to recent survey findings, nearly half of American adults think that “almost everything” causes cancer. That same percentage of the public believes that preventing cancer is either “impossible” or “highly unlikely.” Yet these views are in stark contrast to the optimistic findings detailed in a major international report on cancer risk. In fact, experts estimate that about one-third of today’s cancers could be prevented with weight control, regular physical activity and a healthy balance of foods.

Despite research to the contrary, Americans continue to have fatalistic views about cancer. As previously stated, a recent survey conducted by the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) polled more than 1,000 adults and found that 49 percent of participants thought that cancer prevention was unrealistic. And that statistic could be a sign that this attitude is growing. A similar survey, published by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in 2003, found that just 27 percent of respondents felt “there’s not much people can do to lower their chances of getting cancer.”

But, according to AICR’s report, Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective, there is a lot the public can do to decrease cancer risk. The most comprehensive scientific analysis of the causes and prevention of cancer ever undertaken, the report concludes that most of the cancer we face is preventable. Accordingly, the report notes that there is increased evidence that diet can – and does – protect against cancer, “not only before the process starts, but also afterwards.”

This disconnect between the public’s perceptions and the research is of particular concern because of the link between beliefs and behaviors identified in the NCI study. According to survey responses, people who believed that their cancer risk was unmodifiable were much less likely to exercise weekly, avoid smoking and eat at least five vegetables and fruits daily – three long-recommended behaviors to lower cancer risk.

Another problem identified by the NCI study: more than 70 percent of those surveyed reported feeling so confused by the multitude of cancer prevention recommendations that they weren’t sure which to follow. The many – and frequently contradictory – news reports on cancer leave the public confused, according to study authors, and unable to put the information in context.

These news reports are further confounded by the static created from Internet rumors and sales pitches for books, supplements and more. In a study published in the journal Cancer, among 957 adults surveyed, close to 15 percent thought that products such as shampoos and deodorants could cause cancer.

This echoes AICR’s recent survey findings, which reported that more than half of participants believed that cancer is caused by food additives, pesticides and meat hormones. Once again, these beliefs are in sharp contrast to what the research says. In fact, after reviewing all available evidence on these exposures and cancer risk, AICR’s comprehensive report concluded that there is too little data on which to base any conclusion.

To help quell the confusion, AICR has identified 10 recommendations as the top priorities for cancer prevention. For most people, the essential messages can be further simplified into three key points: Aim to be a healthy weight throughout life; be physically active everyday – in any way – for 30 minutes or more; choose mostly plant foods, limit red meat and avoid processed meat.

Karen Collins, MS, RD, CDN is a registered dietitian who promotes healthy eating as a syndicated nutrition news columnist, speaker and consultant. You are welcome to share these columns or use them in print or online publications, as long as you credit Karen Collins and the American Institute for Cancer Research as the source. Karen can be contacted about speaking engagements at karen@karencollinsnutrition.com.