Myths about cancer

Although we are learning more and more things about cancer, there are still some myths and some false ideas about this disease. These wrong concepts about cancer make it more difficult to implement good prevention measures against it. A recent survey of the Catalan section of the Spanish Cancer Association (AECC) reveals some of these false ideas about cancer, which apply to Catalan citizens but may well be extrapolated to most citizens around the world.
Here you have some bits and pieces of this survey:
1. 12% respondents believe that cancer is a disease appearing only in developed countries.
2. 15% respondents do not know that cancer can be prevented. In fact, the AECC considers that 75% to 80% of cancers are due to external factors which can be easily modified to lessen the risk of developing this disease.
3. 13% respondents consider that underwire bras may cause breast cancer.
4. 30% respondents believe that deodorants may cause breast cancer.
5. 10% respondents consider that a hard blow may cause cancer.
6. 22% respondents do not believe that being overweighed or following an unhealthy diet may result in a cancer.
7. 20% respondents do not know that doing physical activity can reduce the risk of developing cancer.

Sources:

1. The survey Myths about cancer drawn by the Catalan section of the Spanish Cancer Association (available in Catalan and Spanish languages): https://www.aecc.es/Nosotros/Dondeestamos/Barcelona/Paginas/Mitesdelcancer.aspx