Cancer Myths and Misconceptions Debunked

Whether you read it online or hear it from your cousin during a holiday dinner, a cancer myth can be easy to believe. They often sound plausible and may even be partially true. But when your health and future are at stake, it’s essential to vet any cancer information that doesn’t come from your oncologist, a major cancer center, or another reputable source.

“Myths or misperceptions about cancer prevent people from undergoing screening when cancers can be picked up at the earliest stages when they are most treatable,” said Debra Friedman, MD, MS, associate director at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center for Community Science and Health Outcomes in Nashville, Tennessee. “Myths also prevent people from seeking attention when they first have symptoms or seeking treatment for cancer that can be cured or well-controlled. All these scenarios result in avoidable deaths from cancer.”

Dr. Friedman helped Patient Power debunk some common cancer myths and misconceptions.

Food and Supplements

Will eating sugar make cancer worse? What about artificial sweeteners?

“There is no rigorous data to suggest that eating sugar makes cancer worse,” Dr. Friedman said. “While there is some limited data suggesting an association [between cancer and artificial sweeteners], larger studies have failed to show this.”

Are there herbal products that can cure cancer?

“While there may be a role for some herbal products in cancer treatment, herbal products should not be considered as curative therapy when used alone at this time,” Dr. Friedman said. “Patients seeking to use herbal products should have honest and open conversations with their oncologists to see if such products can be safely integrated into cancer therapy.”

If you encounter information about nutrition that makes you wonder if it’s true, you may want to consult a cancer dietitian.

Technology

Do cell phones cause cancer?

“There is currently no consistent evidence that non-ionizing radiation, which is emitted from cell phones, increases cancer risk in humans,” Dr. Friedman said.

Do power lines cause cancer?

“This suggests an association with electromagnetic fields (EMF),” Dr. Friedman explained. “No consistent evidence for an association between any source of non-ionizing EMF and cancer has been found.”

Personal Care Products

Does using hair dye increase the risk of cancer?

The short answer is: There is no definitive answer.

While some studies suggest that using hair dye may lead to an increased risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma, bladder cancer, or other types of blood or bone marrow cancer, other studies have found no association between hair dye and cancer at all.

Recent data regarding hair straightening and uterine cancer is the strongest to date, as this study was well carried out – however, this is “still limited data and needs to be evaluated in other populations where other factors can be further examined as well,” Dr. Friedman said. For instance, “the same study did not find associations with other hair products… and risk to hair stylists as opposed to women who use the products has not yet been well delineated.”

Do antiperspirants or deodorants cause cancer?

There is no conclusive evidence that antiperspirants or deodorants cause cancer. Some people theorize an association with breast cancer because these products are used near the breasts and may contain potentially harmful ingredients, like parabens and aluminum compounds. However, the latest research suggests no connection.

Cancer Risks

If no one in my family has had cancer, does that mean I’m risk-free?

“No. While there are certainly inherited syndromes that increase the risk of cancer, many people develop cancer in absence of family history,” Dr. Friedman said.

Is cancer a death sentence?

No, cancer is not a death sentence. Some types of cancer are more aggressive or have lower survival rates, but others can be cured or managed and kept in remission for many years. Each diagnosis is unique. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, your oncologist is the best person to talk to about your prognosis and what to expect.

Is cancer contagious?

No. While some potentially cancer-causing viruses like human papillomavirus (HPV) are contagious, cancer is not a disease that spreads from person to person.

Does cancer always come back?

No. Some cancers recur, while others do not. Whether or not cancer comes back (recurs) depends on the type of cancer, diagnosis, treatment, and other factors.

Cancer Treatment

Can cancer surgery or a tumor biopsy cause cancer to spread in the body?

“Not generally unless there is leakage of a tumor,” Dr. Friedman said. Even in the most gifted surgical hands, tumor leakage during a tumor resection surgery can happen and is a known factor — but this is not “incredibly common,” Dr. Friedman added.

Will cancer get worse if exposed to air?

No. There is no scientific evidence that being exposed to air causes cancer cells to spread or grow.

Does someone’s attitude impact their cancer prognosis or outcomes?

While people with cancer are often told to stay positive, there is no scientific evidence that someone’s attitude has a positive or negative impact on their prognosis or outcomes. It’s normal to feel anxious and stressed after a cancer diagnosis. That being said, if you are feeling overly depressed and it’s impacting your daily life, you may want to alert your care team in order to get help.

Can getting massages cause cancer to spread?

“There is no rigorous data to support this,” Dr. Friedman said.

Finding Reliable Cancer Information

If you want to verify something you read or heard about a cancer-related topic, like cancer causes and treatments, here are a few ways to vet information:

• Ask your oncologist, primary care provider, or other healthcare professional.

• Contact a trusted nonprofit organization like the American Cancer Society, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, or MPN Research Foundation.

• Browse the National Cancer Institute and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites.

• Search the websites of major cancer centers like the Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and MD Anderson Cancer Center.

You can also use the search function in the top right corner of the Patient Power website. If it’s a topic we have discussed with a cancer expert, you will find it there. If not, or if you have a cancer myth you would like help debunking, email comments@patientpower.info. We are committed to providing cancer information that is helpful, accurate, and up to date.