Many Americans Misinformed About Cancer

American Cancer Society researchers have found that many Americans believe clams about cancer that are not scientifically substantiated. A survey led by Kevin Stein, Ph.D., included 12 inaccurate or unlikely statements about cancer risk, risk factors and prevention. Many of the statements are made through e-mails.

About two-thirds of those surveyed correctly identified seven of the 12 statements as false. But five of the 12 statements were endorsed as true by at least one-fourth of respondents. Among the findings:

• About 67 percent said the risk of dying of cancer in the United States is increasing.
• Nearly 39 percent agreed that living in a polluted city is a greater risk for lung cancer than smoking a pack of cigarettes a day.
• About 30 percent thought electronic devices such as cell phones cause cancer.
• Nearly 15 percent thought personal hygiene products such as shampoo and deodorant can cause cancer.
• Six percent thought underwire bras can cause breast cancer.

Those with lower education levels were more likely to endorse 10 of the 12 statements, consistent with health literacy. Men also were more likely to believe the false statements were true than females.

The study will be published in the Sept. 1, 2007, issue of Cancer.