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European Code Against Cancer
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Questions & Answers

  • Tobacco
  • Second-hand smoke
  • Healthy body weight
  • Physical activity
  • Diet
  • Alcohol
  • Sun/UV exposure
  • Pollutants
  • Radiation
  • Breastfeeding
  • Hormonal therapy
  • Vaccination and infections
  • Screening
  • Others
  • Pharmaceutical drugs

Can screening cause cancer?

Among the currently recommended screening tests, only mammography may actually increase the risk of cancer through exposure to radiation. This increased risk is small compared with the number of lives saved by mammography screening.
  • What is an “organized” screening programme?
  • Why is quality important in cancer screening?
  • Why is screening recommended only for certain types of cancer?
  • Why is prostate cancer screening not recommended?
  • Should I wait for an invitation to participate in screening?
  • I have received an invitation to participate in screening; can I refuse?
  • Can screening cause cancer?

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