Cancer creates real fear in many. Still, what makes it even worse is the misinformation linked to it. Many of the common beliefs about cancer aren’t actually true, from the reason it happens to how it is transferred. Because of these myths, some individuals may avoid caution, forgo treatment, or ignore first signs. We’re providing you with a simple guide to distinguish fact from myth.
Myth 1: Sugars in your food might worsen cancer, and artificial sweeteners are said to cause cancer.
Truth: Science has demonstrated that cancer cells favor using sugar (glucose) for energy, but it is unclear whether abstaining from sugar helps stop cancer. In addition, scientists have examined the possibility of artificial sweeteners bringing about cancer in humans and came to the same conclusion. Yet, too much sugar in your diet may contribute to becoming overweight or obese, putting you at greater risk of some cancers.
Myth 2: Either of these products can cause breast cancer.
Truth: Still, evidence in the most comprehensive studies has failed to link these antiperspirant or deodorant chemicals with breast tissue changes.
Myth 3: Cancer is contagious.
Truth: While many other diseases spread from a person to another, cancer only does so through organ or tissue transplants. An individual who gets an organ or tissue after a donor with cancer can develop a cancer related to transplantation. Even so, chances of cancer from a transplant are miniscule—only about two cases for every 10,000 transplants. It is generally avoided for doctors to take organs or tissue from cancer survivors.
Myth 4: Many people fear that cancer surgery or a tumor biopsy might make cancer spread within the body.
Truth: Research shows that having surgery greatly reduces the chance of cancer spreading to various body locations. According to standard rules, surgeons carry out special procedures to keep cancer cells from traveling during biopsies and surgeries to remove tumors. If they have to cut tissue from various body parts, they operate on each part using different surgical equipment.
Myth 5: Blood cancer affects only older people.
Truth: Blood cancer doesn’t check birth certificates. Dr. Anil Kamat, Head of Clinical Development at Immuneel Therapeutics, highlights that types like acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are actually more common in children. Early action and awareness can have a profound impact.
Myth 6: Mobile phone use causes brain cancer.
Truth: The radiations emitted by mobile phones are non-ionizing, which do not cause DNA damage linked to cancer, said Dr. Mayank Singh. Although the long-term effects of exposure are still up for debate, research to date, including WHO studies, has not found any compelling evidence connecting mobile use to brain cancer.
Myth 7: Cancer is always fatal.
Truth: Cancer is no longer the death sentence it once was. “It all depends on multiple factors like the stage of diagnosis and kind of treatment,” said Dr. Mayank Singh. Many cancers are treatable with high survival rates if caught early. Advances in therapy are helping many patients live full, healthy lives.
Myth 8: Only people with a family history get cancer.
Truth: Most cancers are actually sporadic, meaning they occur in people with no family history. “Genetics is just one factor,” said Dr. Singh.
Myth 9: Removing a tumor spreads cancer.
Truth: “There is no data that exposing a tumor to air or removing it spreads cancer to other places. If this were the case, no one would undergo surgical procedures.” —Anton Bilchik, MD, chief of medicine and chief of gastrointestinal research at John Wayne Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California.
Myth 10: If your close relatives have had breast cancer, you will too.
Truth: Women whose families have a history of breast cancer are considered at greater risk, but 90 percent of women with breast cancer never had anyone in their family with it.
Conclusion
Lies about cancer are as destructive as cancer is. Removing these myths allows us and others to take wise steps, seek medical advice on time, and follow habits that improve our health. Stay informed, consult healthcare professionals, and don’t let myths dictate your health choices.
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