Cancer: myths and misconceptions
Common Cancer Myths and MisconceptionsNIH National Cancer Institute
Translation: bio_robot, Geektimes
When false ideas are based on outdated scientific theories, they seem to be true. Such misconceptions make people fear what they do not need to be afraid of at all, and can push them to make the wrong choice of therapeutic drugs or approaches to the prevention of the disease. In this article, in the light of the latest scientific data, common prejudices regarding cancer are considered.
Is cancer a death sentence?
Since the 90s in the USA, the probability of death from cancer has been gradually decreasing. The five-year survival rate for breast, prostate and thyroid cancer has increased to 90%. The average survival rate for all types of cancer is 66%.
Of course, you need to understand that these figures were obtained on a large sample. In each individual case, factors such as the rate of development of the disease, metastasis, availability of effective therapeutic drugs, the general health of the patient and much more play a role.
Does the consumption of large amounts of sugar contribute to the development of cancer?
No. Although it has been established that cancer cells consume more glucose than normal cells, there is no data that would confirm that sweets lead to the development of cancer, or vice versa – data that suggests that giving up sugar contributes to recovery.
However, it should be taken into account that excessive sugar consumption leads to weight gain, and overweight is associated with an increased risk of several types of cancer. To consider the issue in more detail, you can read this material.
Do artificial sweeteners cause cancer?
They don't call. Safety studies have been conducted on saccharin (Sweet 'N Low, Sweet Twin, NectaSweet), Cyclamate, Aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet), acesulfame potassium (Sunett, Sweet One), Sucralose (Splenda) and Neotame. It has been shown that the consumption of these products does not cause cancer. All of these sweeteners are FDA approved. To familiarize yourself with the question, you can read a selection of data on the topic.
Is cancer a contagious disease?
In most cases, no. Cancer is not an infectious disease. Cancer can be transmitted from one person to another in the only possible case – during organ or tissue transplantation. A person who has had an organ or tissue transplanted from a donor who had cancer has an increased risk of developing the disease. However, it is worth noting that this risk is very small: about two cases per 10,000 transplants. When transplanting organs, they try to avoid donors whose medical history shows cancer.
Also, some viruses (papillomavirus) and bacteria (for example, Helicobacter pylori) can cause oncological diseases. If a virus and a bacterium can be transmitted from person to person, then the oncological disease that they can cause cannot.
Additional materials on the topic: Helicobacter pylori, papillomavirus, vaccines.
Does a positive or negative emotional attitude of a person affect recovery or the risk of cancer?
There is no data linking a person's emotional mood with the risk of developing cancer. Naturally, the emotional mood of a sick person fluctuates. People with a positive outlook on the world are more likely to maintain social ties and remain active, and this, in turn, helps them cope with the disease.
Information about the link between cancer and mental stress is here.
Can an operation to remove a tumor or a tissue biopsy cause the spread of malignant cells throughout the body?
The probability that surgical intervention will cause the spread of cancer cells is extremely small. To prevent this from happening, surgeons follow strict rules and special procedures.
Here you can read about metastasis
Do cell phones cause cancer?
This is not confirmed by scientific research. Cancer is caused by mutations in genes, and low-frequency radiation from phones is not able to damage the genome.
To get acquainted with the topic, you can read the material “cell phones and cancer risk".
Do power lines cause cancer?
According to the latest research, no. For example, the walls of houses protect (or weaken it) from electromagnetic radiation. Additional material on the topic is here. (translator's note: in fact, the conclusions in the article on the link are ambiguous. The question of electromagnetic radiation remains open. The factor can be considered as potentially dangerous, although the mechanism of action cannot be established).
Are medicinal preparations based on plants able to cure cancer?
No. There are studies that show that additional medications, including those based on certain plants, can help patients cope with the side effects of treatment. However, there are no studies proving that herbal preparations effectively treat cancer.
In fact, some herbal preparations may even be harmful when used simultaneously with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Patients should inform doctors about what additional medications they are taking – including vitamins and herbal products.
To understand the issue in more detail, we recommend reading this section on the website.
If someone in the family has cancer, is there a chance that other family members will also get sick?
As a rule, there is no such probability. Genetic mutations lead to the occurrence of the disease. Only 5-10% of cancers develop as a result of inherited mutations. Such a mutation can often cause the same type of cancer in family members.
The remaining 90-95% of cancers result from mutations that appear as a result of aging or exposure to environmental factors, such as smoking or harsh radiation.
Here you can read about genetic tests for hereditary forms of cancer, and here about the causes and risk factors.
If no one in the family has had cancer, does this mean that other family members will not get sick?
No. According to the latest data, oncological diseases are detected in 40% of people. Most cancers develop due to mutations, which, in turn, are a natural consequence of aging or arise due to environmental factors (smoking or radiation exposure). Other factors, such as diet and physical activity, also play a role in the onset of the disease.
Do deodorants and antiperspirants cause breast cancer?
They don't call. Chemicals contained in deodorants and antiperspirants do not affect changes in breast tissues.
Does hair dye cause cancer?
There is no convincing data demonstrating that the use of hair dye increases the likelihood of developing the disease. But some studies have shown that hairdressers who work a lot with hair dye have an increased risk of developing bladder cancer.
The topic is disclosed in more detail in the materials at the link.
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