10 Most Common Cancer Myths

From hair dye and mobile phones to plastic bottles, internet sites are flooded with myths about what causes cancer. Here, we find out the facts

Around a third of cancer deaths are caused by proven risk factors such as smoking, not getting sufficient exercise, unhealthy eating, being overweight, drinking too much alcohol and spending too much time out in the sun.

However, the internet is also filled with rumours about many other things that supposedly lead to cancer. Social media has played a role in promulgating theories about what causes cancer.

The problem is, how we do know which is fact and which is fiction? As we observe World Cancer Day on February 4, here are some facts you need to know…

MOBILE PHONES

Concerns linger about mobile phones causing brain tumours. They transmit and receive microwave radiation. However, this is not to be confused with high-energy radiation that does cause genetic defects and cancer.

“There are things we do not yet know, so mobile phones are on a watch list,” says Professor Sanchia Aranda of Cancer Council Australia. “Keep calls as short as possible and use hands-free attachments to reduce possible risks.”

LED LIGHTING

Many cities are switching older-style street-lighting to LED because they are cheaper and produce fewer emissions.

However, a recent study argued that heavy exposure to LED lighting may double the risk of prostate cancer and breast cancer. Professor Aranda points out, “Radiation emissions are so low that they are insufficient to be hazardous, even if it is only 140cm away.”

PLASTIC DRINK BOTTLES