Cancer Care Ontario responds - Cancer risk is not just about bad luck

A recent study published in the journal Science, has caused much confusion in the media and the public. The study, from Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center indicated that the majority of cancers are the result of bad luck. While this concept makes a great headline, it’s not actually true. The most common cancers – lung, breast, colorectal and prostate – are influenced by many lifestyle factors, including smoking, obesity, poor diet, alcohol consumption, lack of exercise and sun exposure. These are all factors that can be modified through changes in behaviour; meaning you can lower your risk for developing cancer (and don’t have to rely on luck). Read more here.