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 Home > Health > 10 common cancer myths
 
10 Common Myths About Cancer

From The Canadian Health Network
 
Has anyone ever told you that wearing a bra causes breast cancer?
 
How about that treating cancer can make it spread?
 
Did you think that it was true? If yes, you've been taken in by a cancer myth.
 
Myths about cancer can sometimes be convincing because they sound like common sense. In fact, they are not based on scientific evidence and are misleading and dangerous.
The real harm comes when people make decisions based on misinformation or hoaxes, rather than scientific evidence or the advice of health professionals. When it comes to your health, it's important to separate fact from fiction.
 
10 Common Cancer Myths:
 
1. Myth Cancer is contagious.
Fact Unlike a cold or the flu, you cannot catch cancer by coming in contact with someone who has it.
2. Myth All tumours are malignant.
Fact Tumours can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign tumour cells stay in one place in the body. Benign tumours are not usually life-threatening. Malignant tumour cells are able to invade the tissues around them and spread to other parts of the body.
3. Myth Cancer can spread as a result of treatment.
Fact In many cases, surgery is an essential part of the cancer treatment plan. Cancer surgeons, known as surgical oncologists, know how to safely take biopsy samples for testing and how to remove tumours without causing spread of the cancer.
4. Myth Bras cause breast cancer.
Fact At this time, there is no reliable, scientific evidence that shows a link between wearing a bra and developing breast cancer.
5. Myth An injury, like a bruise or sprain, can cause cancer.
Fact A fall, bruise or sprain does not cause cancer. However, a person may visit his or her doctor about an injury and, by chance, a tumour could be found at that time. There is no evidence that any type of cancer is caused by injury alone.
6. Myth Freckles are a sign of cancer.
Fact Freckles are not a sign of cancer and do not become cancerous. However, the risk of skin cancer is increased for people with freckles. Reduce your risk of skin cancer by following these SunSense tips. There is one type of skin cancer called melanoma that may look like a freckle in its early stages. Check your skin regularly and see your doctor if a mole changes colour or shape or if it itches or bleeds.
7. Myth A tan is healthy and will prevent sunburn and skin cancer.
Fact A suntan won't protect you against skin cancer. A tan is the sign of damage or injury to your skin. Having what people call a base tan does not offer protection against further sun damage. For those who still feel they must have a tan, the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) recommends the use of self-tanning creams, applied at night, followed with a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher. Remember, self-tanning creams do not provide sun protection.
8. Myth Light or mild cigarettes are less likely to cause cancer.
Fact Regular smokers who switch to these low tar and low nicotine cigarettes tend to adjust their smoking habits by inhaling deeply or longer or covering up the ventilation holes to get enough nicotine to feel good. This also means they are inhaling more chemicals and tar.
9. Myth Lung cancer is the only type of cancer that smokers have to worry about.
Fact It is estimated that smoking is responsible for 30% of all cancer deaths and is related to more than 85% of lung cancer cases in Canada. Smoking can also increase the risk of many other cancers, including cancer of the bladder, cervix, colon and rectum, esophagus, kidney, larynx, mouth and throat, pancreas, and stomach.
10. Myth Whether or not you get cancer is determined by luck or genetics. There isn't much you can do about it.
Fact There is a lot we can do to prevent cancer, both as individuals and as a society. At least half of all cancers can be prevented through healthy living and policies that protect the health of Canadians.
 
What we do know
 
Take the following steps to reduce your risk of developing cancer:
  • Be a non-smoker and avoid tobacco smoke.
  • Eat a healthy diet.
  • Be physically active every day.
  • Stay at a healthy weight.
  • Limit alcohol use.
  • Reduce your exposure to UV (ultraviolet) rays from the sun or artificial tanning equipment, like tanning beds.
  • Follow cancer screening guidelines.
  • Know your body and report any changes to your doctor or dentist.
  • Follow health and safety instructions at home and at work when using, storing and disposing of hazardous materials.
© Canadian Health Network. All rights reserved.
 

 
 

Visit our "Healthy Aging" Section for more informative articles.
 
 

There is a lot we can do to prevent cancer, both as individuals and as a society. At least half of all cancers can be prevented through healthy living and policies that protect the health of Canadians.
 
 
 

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