What's worth worrying about (and what isn't)

In the course of writing for this blog, as well as other fitness publications to which I often contribute, I'm always on the lookout for new health and fitness studies to highlight. In my search, I'm frequently confounded by the amount of contradictory information that exists. Some experts say one thing, while others suggest the exact opposite. Who am I to believe? And just the same, who are you to believe?

Fortunately, Women's Health magazine clears things up a bit in their current issue. Reflecting on the legitimate, supposed, or unfounded things that affect cancer risk, the article is a breath of fresh air in what can oftentimes be an atmosphere polluted with mixed opinions.

Here is a quick look at how the article broke down what's actually worth worrying about and what isn't with regard to increased cancer risk.

PROVEN: Alcoholic beverages, exposure to radon at home, tobacco smoking and second-hand smoke exposure, deliberate sun overexposure

LIKELY: Air pollution, living near a nuclear facility, eating large amounts of processed meats, using tanning beds

UNKNOWN: Cell phones, drinking chlorinated water, nonstick cookware, plastics containing bisphenol A

UNLIKELY: Artificial sweeteners, breast implants, dental fillings, deodorants