10 Cancer Myths

Learn 10 Cancer Myths – we are in an era where fiction sells faster than the fact and when it comes to cancer there are lots of unproven theories going around lacking scientific data. We have misconceptions riding the cancer information drive than actual and most of it is false when it comes to fact check. Here we share some of the myths and the contrasting fact to distinguish it from fiction.

1. Cancer is contagious disease.

No, it is not. Cancer cannot spread if you share a meal or coffee with the affected person or hug them tight. The only possible way if cancer can spread is via organ donation received from a person with cancer history and doctors avoid such organ donors.

2. Any lump in body is cancer

Not every bumpy spot on your skin will outburst will growth. Some bumps just stay the same size and do not harm your body functions. But if the bump starts growing big or hurts when touched you should not ignore it. For breast cancer, learn how to do a self examination.

3. Use of antiperspirants / deodorants and hair dye causes cancer.

No scientific links are found to confirm that any ingredients of antiperspirants / deodorants and hair dye can cause any kind of cancer. Some harmful substances like parabens and aluminum compound are absorbed through your skin through shaving cuts but no such evidence is reported to have cause cancer. So, if that concerns you just avoid using those products.

4. Eating sugar can spread cancer faster.

Sugar consumption has no logic to do with cancer spread. All cells use glucose for multiplication and as cancer cells grow at a rapid rate than normal cells they consume more glucose from the food you consume. So cutting off sugar from your diet will not restrict the growth of cancer cells.

5. Getting a tissue biopsy can spread cancer.

A biopsy is the primary process to check the tissue and type of cancer; and proliferation of cancer by cutting off the small sample from a big lump is not true. Extracted biopsy is further tested and then reports are based for deciding treatment plan for patient.

6. Herbal products can remove all traces of cancer cell from body.

No. Although some studies say they are complementary and alternative therapies including herbs which help in reducing side effects of cancer treatment but no scientific evidence to back that it can kill all cancer cells. Also, some products are harmful and interfere with radiation or chemotherapy so doctors advise to avoid them.

7. Positive mindset people can only fight cancer.

Positive mindset can keep you stronger with ongoing cancer treatment but it has nothing to do with curing of cancer.

8. Radiation from cell phone, power lines and microwaves causes cancer.

Fact is that mutation in genes cause cancer and not normal day-to-day radiation. According to studies done so far the electromagnetic energy and radiations emitted from cell phone and microwaves are of very low-frequency and passes through so many barriers to reach us which are unlikely to damage genes. Also, there are no proven theories to the statement that
microwave radiation causes cancer.

9. Eating super food can cure cancer.

Super food is nothing but our regular food like berries, garlic and green tea, whole grains etc packed and marketed in better way. These foods are rich in antioxidants which help to remove toxins from body and it is naive to say that super food cures cancer. Every cancer spreads differently in each body and so is the food response.

10. If my family members are not having cancer I can never get it.

Cancer is caused by genetic defects in DNA. Facts say 5 % to 10% of cancer are caused by inheritance of faulty gene from a family member that has lead to a misconception that if family history is clean they are in safe zone. But remaining 95% of cancer is caused by unhealthy lifestyle, environmental factors and exposure to harmful chemicals. Therefore every individual
with or without a family history of cancer should go for cancer screening and follow a healthy lifestyle.

References:
https://www.cancer.net/sites/cancer.net/files/asco_answers_myths_facts_about_cancer.pdf
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/myths