Cancer myths growing in the internet age

ALMOST half of people mistakenly believe that stress causes cancer, a charity has warned.

Cancer Research UK said that fake news on the internet appears to be fuelling a rise in incorrect beliefs, “mythical” causes such as stress, food additives, eating GM foods and using mobile phones and microwave ovens, despite a lack of good scientific evidence linking them to the disease.

Meanwhile, the survey found poor awareness of known cancer risk factors such as obesity, eating red or processed meat or drinking alcohol.

Experts from University College London and Leeds University said that the public’s endorsement of mythical cancer causes has risen over the last decade – which might be due to more information being accessed through the internet and social media.

Researchers asked 1,330 people in England how much they agreed items on a list – which included known risk factors and “mythical” factors – can increase a chance of developing cancer.

The study, published in the European Journal of Cancer, found that 43 per cent thought that stress caused cancer, while 42 per cent thought food additives were a risk factor.

One quarter believed that using a mobile phone was a risk factor.

Dr Samuel Smith, from the University of Leeds, said: “It’s worrying to see so many people endorse risk factors when there is no convincing evidence.”

Clare Hyde, from Cancer Research UK, said: “Around four in 10 cancer cases could be prevented through lifestyle changes so it’s crucial we have the right information.”