Cancer Myths

Myths That We Busted This World Cancer Day

If curiosity can kill the cat, so does ignorance. When people are scared of something, they make it far more dangerous by believing and spreading stories that doesn’t hold any truth.
This World Cancer Day on 4th February, on account of spreading awareness towards cancer, Indus Health Plus is trying to bust some common cancer related myths. Read on to believe in facts than folklores.

Myth # 1. Cancer always kills

Though cancers detected in later stages do have a lower incidence of survival but if and when detected in its early stages, cancer is curable. And early detection is only possible with regular and timely preventive health check-ups.

Myth # 2. No one in my family has it. I won’t too.

There is no guarantee that it will only run in families as only 5% to 10% of cancers are hereditary. Most of the cancers are caused by genetic changes (mutation) that occur throughout in a person’s life time. These changes can be caused by factors like tobacco, excessive exposure to sun (UV rays), and contact to certain chemicals.

Myth # 3. Someone in my family has it. I will also get it for sure.

Though having a family history of cancer is one of the risk factors in the development of this disease, but it is not a definite prediction for your future health status. Four out of 10 cancers can be prevented simply by making lifestyle changes, eating a balanced diet, exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcoholic, and completely avoiding tobacco products. Additionally, sometimes doctors may recommend to people who have inherited a genetic mutation, which puts them at higher risk for cancer to take prophylactic treatment, so as to reduce the chance of developing cancer.

Myth # 4. Only females get breast cancer

This is by far the leading cancer myth of all. Men can also get breast cancer! Even though men do not have breasts structured like women but they do have some amount of breast tissue. Incidence of breast cancer in men is much lesser than women, may be as they have smaller amount of breast tissue and they produce less estrogen, a hormone Known to affect breast cancer in women.

Myth # 5. Hair dyes and antiperspirants can cause cancer

So far, no documented evidence is available to blame hair dyes or deodorants in causing cancer. Some of these products might contain harmful chemicals but not to the extent of becoming a risk factor for cancer.