No, according to Cancer Research UK. Acrylamide from burnt toast, burnt chips, or crispy potatoes is unlikely to increase the risk of cancer.
In this modern, digital age there’s endless information available about cancer – what to look out for, how to prevent it, how to live with it. Most of it is helpful and evidence based but some ‘advice’ can leave us feeling confused and anxious and may even distract us from focusing on the important fact-based guidance.
As communications lead for Action Hampshire’s Communities Against Cancer project, I’ve noticed Autumn is the time to talk about the ‘C’ word. Perhaps it’s because many of us are making trips to our GPs for colds and coughs and might ‘just get something else checked whilst they’re there’. Or maybe the poorer weather and staying indoors makes us more health conscious and receptive to cancer advice?
Knowing what to look out for
In September, Wessex Cancer Matters launched ‘Know the Signs’ a clear, straight-talking campaign designed to encourage those worried about a sign or symptom of cancer to visit their GP. A few weeks ago, it was blood cancer awareness day and in October my social media channels were populated with pink ribbons and featured videos about how to check my breasts. Lung cancer posts are popping up this month alongside Movember stories empowering men to take control of their health. Of course, cancer messages don’t disappear the rest of the year, they just seem more prevalent in Autumn.
The importance of raising awareness of cancer should not be underestimated. Knowing the signs and symptoms and how to get them checked is vital. Early diagnosis often leads to better outcomes with cancer so it’s within our best interests to absorb the guidance and act on medical advice.
Sorting the wood from the trees…
However, there’s information out there which can make us panic unnecessarily and increase our anxiety levels. I insist my children scrape the burned bits off their toast but is that something I need to worry about?
Probably not. According to Cancer Research UK, there’s no evidence to suggest that eating burnt toast will give us cancer. However, there is fact-based evidence eating a healthy balance diet, not smoking, limiting alcohol and exercising regularly can reduce our risk of getting some cancers.
Have the right information and help improve the health of your community
Our Communities Against Cancer project helps raise awareness of cancer by sharing information provided by Cancer Research UK and Cancer Matters Wessex NHS.
We deliver cancer awareness workshops to VCSE organisations and participants then go on to share the information with the communities they represent. At these informal workshops we chat about ways to keep healthy, where to go if someone’s worried and the signs and symptoms of cancer. We also share advice about the health screening options and what the potential barriers are to healthcare in some communities.
It’s not easy to talk about cancer
The subject of cancer isn’t always easy to talk about, but we can share information in less triggering ways. We have grants available for you to deliver the important messages about cancer in ways which will resonate with your beneficiaries. This could be through exercise or art classes or with the help of translators and key speakers.
Follow this link to join one of our workshops and learn more about the project
If you’re feeling anxious about some of the cancer messages in the news Cancer Research UK has a webpage dedicated to cancer myths.
Follow this link to learn more about cancer myths
