Study finds most are unaware of cancer risks

Most Irish people are unaware of cancer risks, despite the fact that obesity, smoking, excessive drinking and eating are the main causes, according to recent studies.

The public are also unaware of proven cancer health threats such as age, sunlight and lifestyle.

The survey was carried out at University College Cork in conjunction with Breakthrough Cancer Research and the Irish Cancer Society.

Commenting on the results, Dr Aoife Ryan, lecturer in nutritional science at UCC, said: “Our research survey was designed to assess public awareness of cancer risks and the results were astonishing. A large portion of the Irish population is misinformed and unaware of the real risk factors for cancer.”

Dr Derek Power, medical oncologist at Mercy and Cork University Hospitals, said: “While most surveyed were aware of classic risk factors such as smoking and poor diet, there are a lot of misconceptions.

“We hope that by sharing these common misunderstandings and informing the public about proven cancer risks and preventable measures, we can help people to make lifestyle choices that will reduce their risk of developing the disease.

“This will ultimately help to decrease the growing statistics of those diagnosed with cancer in Ireland”.

The research was carried out following predictions by the World Health Organisation that Ireland could experience a 72% rise in cancer cases by 2030.

Currently cancer causes 7,000 deaths annually in Ireland.

It is estimated one in three men and one in four women will develop cancer over their lifetime.

According to WHO, around 40% of all cancer deaths are preventable with appropriate food, nutrition, physical activity and body fat accountable. Only 20% of those surveyed were aware of this.

Some 80% are concerned about developing cancer, while 19% believe if cancer is in their family there is nothing they can do to reduce personal risk, which is incorrect. In addition, one in five is not aware cancer risk increases with age.