Possible Link Between Cancer And Environmental Toxins
By: Charlotte Ames
Updated: May 6, 2010
A new report by a presidential panel on cancer highlights thousands of chemicals that are widely used, but haven't been checked to see if they cause cancer. The report calls for more research into the link between the environment and people's health. It also calls on the government to raise awareness about cancer risks in everyday life in everything from industrial pollution to household items.
But a spokesman from the American Cancer Society pointed out that the report also finds that 2/3 of cancers come from lifestyle choices ,like smoking.
Dr. Michael Thun, an epidemiologist and Vice President at the A.C.S, said "what I hope does not happen from this report, is that people take away a message that pollution is the major factor and that you don't have to worry about the other things that we actually know are huge."
The chairman of the panel says his group just wants make sure we're looking at "all" possible cancer causes.
But a spokesman from the American Cancer Society pointed out that the report also finds that 2/3 of cancers come from lifestyle choices ,like smoking.
Dr. Michael Thun, an epidemiologist and Vice President at the A.C.S, said "what I hope does not happen from this report, is that people take away a message that pollution is the major factor and that you don't have to worry about the other things that we actually know are huge."
The chairman of the panel says his group just wants make sure we're looking at "all" possible cancer causes.
