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Do people know what causes cancer?

Using microwave ovens, drinking from plastic bottles and consuming food additives are causes of cancer, believe a “worrying” number of people.

The findings come from a survey in which 1,330 people in England were quizzed on risk factors.

The results show that 40% wrongly thought that stress and food additives caused cancer. One-third incorrectly believed that electromagnetic frequencies (35%) and eating genetically modified food (34%) were risk factors.

While 19% thought microwave ovens and 15% drinking from plastic bottles caused cancer, despite a lack of scientific evidence. Researchers from University College London and the University of Leeds carried out the survey.

Samuel Smith, from the University of Leeds, said: “It’s worrying to see so many people endorse risk factors for which there is no convincing evidence.

“Compared to past research, it appears the number of people believing in unproven causes of cancer has increased since the start of the century.”

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