Many Irish people remain unaware of major risk factors for cancer, instead believing in myths, a Cork-based oncologist has warned.

According to Dr Derek Power of Cork and Mercy University Hospitals, a ‘large proportion' of people overestimate the role of genetics in the development of cancer, while underestimating the risks linked to alcohol, obesity and sun exposure.

Dr Power and a team of colleagues carried out a 48-question survey on almost 800 people, including 126 healthcare professionals.

They found that at least one in four people believe that over half of cancers are genetic, while 90% believe that genetics ‘strongly' increase the risk of the disease.

However, depending on the site of the cancer, only 5-8% of cases are due to an inherited gene.

"These misunderstandings must be tackled if cancer rates are to be reduced. This misinformation needs to be addressed in health promotion campaigns, emphasising that diet and lifestyle, including smoking, account for 90-95% of cancers," Dr Power said.

The results of the survey also indicated that many cancer myths remain popular.

"For example, many people wrongly think that a blow to the breast, stress, wearing tight underwear, the use of mobile phones, genetically modified foods and aerosols are major cancer risk factors," Dr Power explained.

Meanwhile, many people also displayed a lack of knowledge when it came to reducing the risk of cancer. Almost two-thirds of respondents said that organic food reduces the risk, while at least one in four said that a ‘detox' diet may help. However, there is no research to show that either of these lowers the risk.

Furthermore, four in 10 people were unaware that high red meat consumption can increase the risk and almost half did not know that too much salt also poses a risk.

A further one in four did not know that frozen fruit and vegetables are just as good for you as fresh produce.

"We hope that by sharing these common misunderstandings and informing the public about proven cancer risks and prevention measures, we can help people to make lifestyle choices that will reduce their risk of developing the disease," Dr Power said.

He made his comments at the recent 2012 Congress of the European Society for Medical Oncology in Vienna.