By Alabama Public Radio
Mobile AL – A new poll on health concerns in Alabama shows that more people are worried about cancer than heart disease, stroke and diabetes combined. The poll from the Press-Register-University of South Alabama was conducted last Monday through Wednesday and sampled the opinions of 400 adult residents statewide.found the vast majority believe the medical community has made progress in treating cancer, but there is still strong fear when a person or a family member receives a diagnosis. Most respondants also believed that lifestyle choices, rather than other factors such as environmental issues or genetics are responsible for most serious health problems. The findings also suggests that people realize they can decrease their chances of illness by exercising, eating well and avoiding risky behaviors. But these precautions do not necessarily keep cancer away.