Cancer study challenged

Re ‘Bad luck’ behind most cancers, report finds, Jan. 2 Your article about a study suggesting that two thirds of cancers are the result of “bad luck” is concerning. This study, a mathematical modelling study, has been seriously misinterpreted, giving the impression that people are powerless to prevent cancer, which is not true.

There is a large body of evidence that up to 50 per cent of cancer cases can be prevented through the elimination of smoking, unhealthy body weight, poor diet, excess alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and harmful environmental and occupational exposures. Cancer screening also plays a very important role in the prevention and early detection of some common cancers.

The odds of developing the most common cancers — lung, breast, colorectal and prostate — can be reduced by making healthier choices.

Dr. Linda Rabeneck, VP, prevention and cancer control, Cancer Care Ontario The authors of this report have overlooked carcinogenic compounds, which can cause mutations and promote cancer. A 2010 U.S. report notes that environmentally caused cancers are grossly underestimated. Bad luck, indeed.

Barbara McElgunn, Scarborough