It’s important to use reliable sources of information to find out the facts about cancer. You can find information about some common controversies in this section.
Around 4 in 10 cancers could be prevented by things such as not smoking, keeping a healthy weight and cutting back on alcohol.
But stories about possible cancer causes often make the news, and it isn’t always clear which ideas are supported by good evidence.
Some medical scans, including x-rays, use small amounts of ionising radiation. But the health risks are low and usually outweighed by the benefit of having a scan, if your doctor recommends it.