Speedos? No… Aerosols? No… Our Misinformed Nation And What Really Causes Cancer

A shocking Irish survey has revealed what we think the causes of cancer are and how some of us are very, very wrong...

It mightn't be the best news for beach-lovers but it will be a weight off a lot of male minds to find out that they don’t need to ditch their tight togs, as the package-cradling underwear does not cause cancer.

The study blasted the popular notion that bum-snug togs can have a devastating impact on health. Researchers questioned Irish people about what they thought the causes of cancer were and busted the cancer myths of the country.

It placed emphasis on the fact that people should worry less about men in tight Speedos and more about their beer bellies and muffin tops, as obesity is a much bigger risk to their health.

The Cork-based research author Dr Derek Power said; “Many myths surrounding cancer risk are also still popular.

“For example, many people wrongly think that a blow to the breast, stress, wearing tight underwear, the use of mobile phones, genetically modified foods and aerosols are major cancer risk factors.”

Many people still blame testicular cancer on tight underwear, but don’t realise that obesity or excessive alcohol intake is more dangerous.

Dr Power continued; “A large proportion of people over-estimate the cancer risk attributable to genetics while on the other hand, many underestimate the cancer risks associated with obesity, alcohol and sunlight exposure.”

Researchers in University College Cork (UCC) questioned 748 people about cancer risks.

Less than half of them realised that too much salt increases the risks, while two out of five weren’t aware of the link between red meat and the disease.

Nine out of 10 people also believed that genetics “strongly” increases the risk. In reality, just five to eight per cent of cancers are due to inherited genes.

More than one quarter of those questioned also thought that detox diets could ward off the Big C. Two thirds believed that organic food could protect you from cancer.

Dr Power said the misinformation needs to be addressed in health promotion campaigns.

“We need to emphasise that diet and lifestyle, including smoking, account for 90 to 95 per cent of cancers.”

Looks like we need a health education overhaul…