Five Myths and Facts About Cancer Prevention

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- February is Cancer Prevention Month. The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) is leading a national campaign to help Americans separate the myths from facts about cancer risk. Throughout the month, AICR will debunk cancer misperceptions and empower Americans with accurate, evidence-based advice on cancer prevention.

MYTH 1:
Cancer is often genetic - I can't do anything about it

FACT:
Experts say, not true. Even if someone has a genetic mutation known to significantly increase cancer risk -- such as the BRCA1 gene that is known to cause breast cancer -- it is not certain that the person will eventually get breast cancer. AICR estimates, around 40 percent of cancer cases are preventable. Eating a healthy diet, being more active each day and maintaining a healthy weight are, after not smoking the most important ways you can reduce your cancer risk.

MYTH 2:
Drinking red wine is good for me

FACT:
The headlines around red wine make it tempting to believe that alcohol can be healthy. But the fact is that all alcohol, regardless of the source, is a carcinogen. AICR's latest report showed that drinking alcohol of any type links to increased risk for breast and several other cancers.

MYTH 3:
Drinking coffee can cause cancer

FACT:
A recent court case in California perpetuated the myth that drinking coffee can cause cancer. Scientists say coffee does not need to carry a cancer warning. In fact, research shows that coffee reduces risk for liver and endometrial cancers.

MYTH 4:
Eating organic fruits and vegetables offer extra protection against cancer 

FACT:
Eating a diet rich in plant foods can help reduce the risk of cancer ? whether organically or conventionally produced. Research so far has not shown that organically grown foods are more cancer-protective than those grown conventionally.

MYTH 5:
Eating soy increases breast cancer risk

FACT:
Studies have shown that eating whole soy foods may actually reduce risk of cancer for some women. Soy foods can be healthy alternative to meat.

Gold Partners
Yakima Fresh
Very Well

Silver Partners
Purity Coffee
Melissa's Produce
Soy Connection
Windonw

Sponsors
ACLM
American College of Preventative Medicine (ACPM)
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
American Society of Nutrition
Blue Cure
California Walnuts Commission
Cancer Journeys Foundation
Cancer Services/Cancer Dietician
Cary Medical Center
Healthy Dining Finder
Healthy Monday
Healthy You
The Heimerdinger Foundation
International Cancer Research Partnership
International Food Information Council (IFIC)
International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA)
International Organisation of Good Templars
Maine Cancer Foundation
Merkle Response Management Group
National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity (NCPPA)
National Recreation and Park Association
Northwell
The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease
Pink Aroostook
Produce Marketing Association
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
Savor Health
Sean Kimerling Testicular Foundation
Society of Behavioral Medicine
SuperKids Nutrition
True Health Initiative
The United Soybean Board
United Sorghum Checkoff Program
USA Rice
Virginia Cooperative Extension
Zell Being

About the American Institute for Cancer Research
Our Vision: We want to live in a world where no one develops a preventable cancer.

Our Mission: The American Institute for Cancer Research champions the latest and most authoritative scientific research from around the world on cancer prevention and survival through diet, weight and physical activity, so that we can help people make informed lifestyle choices to reduce their cancer risk.

We have contributed over $108 million for innovative research conducted at universities, hospitals and research centers across the country. Find evidence-based tools and information for lowering cancer risk, including AICR's Cancer Prevention Recommendations, at www.aicr.org.

SOURCE American Institute for Cancer Research