Cancer: What You Think You Know Can Hurt You
A new American Cancer Society
survey shows confusion about
cancer may keep people from
taking steps to prevent the disease. Here
are the facts behind some common
myths about cancer:
Myth: Breathing polluted air is a
greater risk for lung cancer than
smoking a pack of cigarettes a day.
Smoking causes about 30 percent of all
U.S. cancer deaths. Avoiding tobacco use is
the single most important step Americans
can take against cancer, according to the
National Cancer Institute.
Myth: Getting a mammogram, or
breast X-ray, can cause breast cancer.
Mammography can reduce deaths from
breast cancer 20 to 35 percent and radiation
risk from the test is very low.
Myth: Getting a base tan at a tanning
salon will protect you from skin
cancer when you go out in the sun.
Skin cancer is the most common type of
cancer in the United States. Exposure to
ultraviolet rays, whether from the sun or
from a tanning lamp, increases your risk
for skin cancer.
Myth: There’s not much you can
do to lower your chances of getting
cancer.
Research shows you can reduce your
cancer risk by taking these steps:
- Do not smoke.
- Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Exercise regularly. Experts recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days of the week.
The Approved Community
Hospital Cancer Program of
Caldwell Memorial Hospital
features advanced treatment
options including medical, surgical, and
radiation oncology with personalized
care and support services. To learn more,
contact Crystal Dula, Cancer Program
Coordinator, at 