What we are told and believe about cancer includes both medical facts and common myths and falsehoods. Information is bookended on the one hand by the rigors of scientific research and falsehoods that flood social media.
Public beliefs often mix real risk factors with misunderstandings about how cancer starts and grows and this can undermine efforts to prevent cancer and get the correct messaging across.
Cancer due to unavoidable workplace or environmental exposures generate huge community concern and is totally preventable. Every year, around 5,000 cancer cases in Australia are linked to exposure to carcinogens in the workplace (CCQ, 1 Aug 2026).
Workplace exposures are significant in industries such as construction, manufacturing, mining, and agriculture, and carry high exposure risks due to repeated and long term exposure to silica, asbestos, exhaust fumes and dusts. Long term exposure to UV radiation leads to higher risks of skin cancer for those working long term outdoors. Environmental pollutants, air and water pollution, secondhand smoke, and exposure to industrial chemicals contribute to cancer.
The system is complex to navigate, and it can be a daunting process to make sense of the information available and what is relevant to an individual's needs and circumstances.
Empowerment can help us shift from fear and confusion to proactive, evidence-based care and support.