An ASCO study found that only 25% of Americans take cancer prevention steps regularly, despite research showing 50% of cancers could be prevented. The study also found misinformation influences public understanding of prevention, such as beliefs that cell phones and artificial sweeteners cause cancer. ASCO conducted the study with Harris Poll from July to August 2019, with ASCO president Skip Burris saying the results are troubling and more public education is needed on effective prevention steps.

1. ASCO Study Shows
Misinformation Affecting Public
Cancer Prevention
By: Natasha Tiffany MD

2. ASCO Study Shows Misinformation Affecting Public
Cancer Prevention
An accomplished oncologist, Natasha Tiffany, MD, is an affiliate assistant professor at Oregon
Health Sciences University in Portland, and has also worked with patients at Salem-based Oregon
Oncology Specialists for more than 15 years. In addition to her clinical work, Natasha Tiffany, MD,
maintains membership in numerous cancer-related professional organizations in order to stay up-
to-date with the latest advances in cancer research and treatment. One of those organizations is
the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

3. ASCO Study Shows Misinformation Affecting Public
Cancer Prevention
Even though recent research has indicated that upwards of 50 percent of all types of cancer can
be prevented, a recent study by ASCO shows that only 25 percent of Americans take cancer
prevention steps in their everyday lives. The study also revealed that certain misinformation
permeates the public understanding of cancer prevention, such as the notion that using cell
phones and artificial sweeteners can lead to cancer, and that e-cigarette usage poses no risk at all
of addiction or developing cancer, despite research indicating this is incorrect.

4. ASCO Study Shows Misinformation Affecting Public
Cancer Prevention
ASCO conducted the study in conjunction with Harris Poll over a 1-month period between July and
August 2019. In his comments, ASCO president Howard A. “Skip” Burris III, MD, FACP, FASCO,
said the results are troubling, and that the misinformation is coloring the public’s perception of what
actual steps need to be taken for cancer prevention. He adds that more efforts toward public
education are necessary in light of these findings.