A recent poll conducted by Discovery Health Channel and the American Cancer Society (ACS) reveals our nation’s ignorance with regard to cancer. Americans of both sexes maintain dangerous misconceptions.

• 59% of women do not know there is a connection between obesity and breast and uterine cancer.
• 76% of women and 71% of men are not aware that one-third of all non-skin cancer deaths are related to diet.
• 65% of women and men mistakenly believe the risk of getting cancer has more to do with family history than age.
• Only 7% of women understand age is the most important determinant for colon and rectum cancer and breast cancer.
• 75% of men believe men over 40 have a greater risk of testicular cancer, when younger men actually are at greater risk.
• 52% of men are not aware that eating grapefruit and watermelon might reduce the risk of prostate cancer.