Cancer Myths - HK Cancer Fund

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Cancer Myths

In a world where information is only a click away, it’s hard to know what to believe about cancer. False information can lead to unnecessary worry, or worse, lead to you ignoring symptoms or making unhealthy choices in life. There are many myths about cancer, here we help you to separate the fact from fiction.

Major Cancer Myths Cancer Resources

1.No-one in my family has cancer, so I must be risk-free

While some cancers are hereditary, most cancers are caused by genetic changes that take place as a result of ageing and exposure to environmental factors, such as tobacco smoke. Other factors, such as your diet and level of physical activity, may also influence your risk of developing cancer.

2.Eating ‘superfoods’ can prevent cancer

The word “superfood” is a marketing term used to describe foods that have special health benefits, and that are often claimed to prevent cancer. While some of these foods do have specific health benefits, it is unlikely that any single food alone can make a significant difference to your cancer risk. . It is widely acknowledged, however, that a healthy and balanced diet can help to reduce the risk of cancer.

3.Deodorants can cause breast cancer

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that this is true.

4.UV rays will not harm my skin on a cloudy day

As much as 80 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet rays can penetrate through clouds. Just because you can’t see the sun, does not mean harmful UV rays can’t cause damage to your skin.

5.Sugar ‘feeds’ cancer cells

While you should limit sugary foods as part of a healthy diet and to avoid gaining weight (which can increase your risk of getting cancer), there are no studies that show eating sugar will make your cancer worse or, if you stop eating sugar, that your cancer will shrink or disappear.

6.Second-hand smoke doesn’t give you cancer

This is not true. Second-hand smoke (the smoke exhaled by someone smoking a cigarette, cigar, pipe of hookah) has more than 70 toxic chemicals known to cause cancer. It can cause lung cancer in people who do not smoke themselves and is especially dangerous for children, babies, and pregnant women.

Additionally, third hand smoke is the residual nicotine and other harmful chemicals left by tobacco smoke which clings to hair, skin, clothes, furniture and other surfaces. Contact with surfaces containing third hand smoke can lead to tobacco related health risks for children and non-smoking adults.

7.If you have no symptoms, you don’t have cancer

In its early stages, cancer often has no symptoms and can go unnoticed. Signs of cancer are usually first detected by a doctor during a routine check-up. Be aware of your body and the common symptoms of cancer along with early detection tests and how often they should be performed for you. If you do notice any unusual health concerns or symptoms, consult your doctor.

8.Breast cancer only affects women not men.

While breast cancer is most common in women, there are still a small percentage of men who are diagnosed with this type of cancer. Men with breast cancer often present with a more advanced disease stage primarily due to lack of awareness and delayed diagnosis. Like women, men should check themselves regularly for lumps or changes in the breast area and seek medical advice if anything unusual is found.

9.There are herbal products that can cure cancer?

Although complimentary therapies have been shown to help patients cope with the side effects of cancer treatment, no herbal products have been clinically proven to effectively treat cancer. Some herbal remedies may even react harmfully when taken during your cancer treatment, and therefore you should always discuss any complimentary medicines or therapy you might be considering with your doctor in advance.

10.Mammograms are dangerous and not worth the risk.

Although not always 100% reliable in picking up all breast cancers, when performed regularly (yearly screenings are recommended for women over the age of 40), mammograms can provide early detection of breast cancer for most women and this can save lives. Mammograms require very small doses of radiation and the risk of harm from this radiation exposure is extremely low; the benefits of mammography nearly always outweigh any potential harm. It is still always important to discuss the need for, and risk factors involved for all x-rays with your doctor and especially important to notify them of any possibility you may be pregnant due to additional risks involved for your growing baby.