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You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Such and such causes cancer,” more than a handful of times in your life.
Some of these claims are true. Others are myths.
False claims of using products or engaging in alleged cancer-causing behaviors can be detrimental for your health and contribute to the spread of incorrect information.
But how do you know if a claim is true?
Public health leaders created a helpful database, called Cancer FactFinder, that can help you determine if something is truly linked to cancer or if it’s simply a myth.
Let’s go over the tool, how to use it, and its many applications.
Cancer FactFinder
Cancer FactFinder is a free, evidence-based database to address the spread of incorrect information about what causes cancer.
The new tool, created by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Zhu Family Center for Global Cancer Prevention, explores cancer-causing claims in different categories, including consumer products, lifestyle, medical treatments, and exposure.
Users can explore these categories or use the search function to find evidence-based information to answer their burning questions about causes of cancer.
Each claim found in Cancer FactFinder is broken down into easy-to-understand text, which includes supporting evidence, tips to reduce your cancer risk, and additional resources.
The claims are also ranked based on the level of truth behind them.
For instance, some may be listed as completely false while others may say the cancer risk has yet to be determined.
What’s more, the creators behind the tool are not quick to dismiss claims that haven’t been fully researched yet. They advise the user to take precautions if they are fearful of exposure.
Some claims may be multidimensional, such as the claim that eating microwaved popcorn can cause cancer, and should be read carefully to gain a full understanding of cancer risk.
Developers of the tool and content curators will continue to update the pages as more is learned, or new evidence emerges to support or disprove cancer risk.
They also take suggestions.
While this tool is only available in English for the time being, there are plans to expand access and produce the tool in eight more languages.
Combating Incorrect Information
Many overlooked populations, including Latinos, have generational misunderstandings of what does and doesn’t cause cancer.
These beliefs can endanger your health and wellbeing.
Incorrect information can cause you to delay care and diagnosis, which can lead to worse health outcomes, lack of preventative care, longer and more expensive treatments, and a higher risk for death.
That’s why combating incorrect information and having tools like the Cancer FactFinder are so important.
This tool can be used to show friends and family members that their concerns or valid or disprove what they believe to be true about cancer.
You can use this tool as a way to make healthier decisions, promote change in your community, or discuss your cancer risk with your health provider.
In addition, you can launch your own fact-finding mission with Cancer FactFinder by following their helpful guide on how to spot incorrect information.
Understand Cancer Risk Where You Live!
Do you know that your cancer risk may be influenced by where you live?
Take a peek into some of the issues that may be affecting cancer risk in your community by downloading a Salud America! Health Report Card.
Enter your county name and get auto-generated local data with interactive maps and comparative gauges on several health indicators. This can help you visualize and explore local issues in education, housing, transportation, food, health, and more.
See how your county stacks up compared to the rest of your state and nation.
Then email the Report Card to local leaders to raise awareness, include the data in a presentation or grant proposal, or share it on social media to drive healthy changes in your community!
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CancerBy The Numbers
142
Percent
Expected rise in Latino cancer cases in coming years
