Myths & Facts
Myths and Facts About Cancer
Cancer is surrounded by many myths that can create unnecessary fear or misinformation. Understanding the facts helps promote early detection, proper treatment, and effective prevention strategies.
Fact
- Many cancers are treatable, especially when detected early.
- Advances in treatment, such as targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and improved surgical techniques, have increased survival rates significantly.
- Examples: Breast cancer has a 5-year survival rate of over 90% if detected early.
Myth 1: Cancer is always fatal.
Fact
- Cancer cannot be transmitted from person to person.
- However, some viruses linked to cancer (e.g., HPV causing cervical cancer, Hepatitis B and C linked to liver cancer) can spread between people. Vaccines and safe practices can prevent these infections.
Myth 2: Cancer is contagious.
Fact
- Surgery does not cause cancer to spread.
- On the contrary, surgery often removes the primary tumor and can be curative.
Myth 3: Cancer surgery causes it to spread.
Fact
- Not all lumps are cancer.
- Many are benign conditions like cysts or fibroadenomas.
- However, any lump should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out malignancy.
Myth 4: All lumps are cancerous.
Fact
- Injuries like bruises or falls do not cause cancer.
- Cancer is the result of genetic mutations in cells, not physical trauma.
Myth 5: Cancer is caused by injuries or bruises.
Fact
- Hair loss is a side effect of some chemotherapy treatments but not all.
- Other treatments, like immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or surgery, typically do not cause hair loss.
Myth 6: Everyone with cancer loses their hair.
Fact
- While treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can have side effects, they are designed to eliminate cancer and prolong life.
- Side effects are now managed better than ever with supportive care and new technologies.
Myth 7: Cancer treatments are worse than the disease itself.
Fact
- No single food can cure cancer.
- A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help prevent some cancers and support overall health, but it is not a substitute for medical treatment.
Myth 8: Superfoods can cure cancer.
Fact
- While the risk of cancer increases with age, it can affect people of any age, including young adults.
Myth 9: Cancer only happens in older people.
Fact
- Only 5–10% of cancers are hereditary.
- Most cancers are caused by environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and random genetic mutations.
- Preventative measures (like not smoking, healthy eating, regular exercise, and vaccinations) can significantly lower the risk.
Myth 10: Cancer runs in families, so you can't avoid it.
Fact
- There is no scientific evidence that stress directly causes cancer.
- However, chronic stress may lead to unhealthy behaviors (e.g., smoking, overeating) that increase cancer risk.
Myth 11: Stress causes cancer.
Fact
- Studies have shown no conclusive evidence linking artificial sweeteners like aspartame or saccharin to cancer in humans.
- Regulatory agencies (e.g., FDA, WHO) consider them safe within recommended limits.
Myth 12: Artificial sweeteners cause cancer.
Fact
- Many cancers are cured permanently, especially when detected early and treated effectively.
- Even if cancer recurs, newer treatments can often manage it effectively.
Myth 13: Cancer will always return.
Fact
- While a positive outlook can improve quality of life and help cope with treatment, it cannot cure cancer.
- Effective treatment requires medical interventions.
Myth 14: Positive thinking can cure cancer.
Fact
- Tight clothes might cause discomfort and due to sweat may cause skin issues but breast cancer is not a result of clothes.
- No relation to undergarment usage.
Myth 15: Breast Cancer is caused by tight clothes, underwired bra
Tips to Stay Informed
Discuss concerns with healthcare professionals.Trust reputable sources like the American Cancer Society, World Health Organization (WHO), or National Cancer Institute.
