Study Downplays Some Cancer Risks

Posted on February 11, 2008

University of New South Wales Professor Bernard Stewart recently conducted a study on cancer risk factors. According to MSNBC Stewart found that smoking and alcohol are both high risk factors. On the plus side Stewart study downplays the cancer risk from coffee, deodorants, fluoridated water and having breast implants or dental fillings. Stewart also downplays cell phone risks.

He found active smokers and ex-smokers to be the most at risk, although the risk is reduced for people who quit smoking.
Drinking alcohol was also a high risk factor, particularly for people who also smoke, although Stewart said no specific type of alcoholic drink was most strongly to blame.
Drinking chlorinated water and using a mobile phone was far less likely to cause cancer, Stewart said, although the risks associated with the long-term use of mobile phones had not been fully established.
He said there little risk from drinking coffee, using deodorants, drinking fluoridated water and having breast implants or dental fillings.

Stewart says his tool helps "establish if the level of risk is high, say on a par with smoking, or unlikely such as using deodorants, artificial sweeteners, drinking coffee." His research was published in the Mutation Research Reviews journal. You can read a little more about his research here on ScienceAlert.com.au.