An alarming finding. If nearly half of cancers can be avoided by adopting healthier practices, a study published on January 30 by the National Cancer Institute shows that many French people still underestimate the links between tobacco and alcohol consumption. and the development of cancer. The 2021 Cancer Barometer, a survey carried out every five years, aims to “better understand the opinions, perceptions or even behavior of French people on cancer to better guide”.
Thus, the barometer reveals the existence of many misunderstandings regarding these factors. For example, smokers underestimate the onset of cancer more than non-smokers. They are 30% to admit the link between tobacco and cancer, against 80% among non-smokers. And only 20% of smokers believe there is a risk of cancer beyond 20 cigarettes a day. Figures in total discrepancy with reality. Tobacco is the main source of cancer in France. Another example: half of smokers think it’s safe to smoke only 10 cigarettes a day or less, or that playing sports cleans your lungs.
Regarding alcohol, “8 out of 10 respondents believe that road accidents and violence are the main risks associated with alcohol consumption”. While many French people also place pollution ahead of alcohol as a factor aggravating the risk of cancer, only 0.4% of cancers are caused by exposure to fine particles, while alcohol is the leading cause of premature death in France. . 28,000 cancer cases out of 382,000 are linked to alcohol.
According to the study, the French with the least qualifications and the lowest incomes are more likely to underestimate the proven risk factors for cancer to which they are exposed. Moreover, the information given on these issues is not always well understood. 56.1% of respondents believe “there are so many different recommendations regarding cancer that it is difficult to know which ones to follow”.