Cancer Myths and Misconceptions To Be Aware Of

Don't let the title fool you. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. It is not a myth or misconception that it is a terrible disease, however common ideas about how it starts and spreads, though they may be popular ideas, are often scientifically wrong and rooted in old theories. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) says it best: "... wrong ideas about cancer can lead to needless worry and even hinder good prevention and treatment decisions."

How Deadly Is Cancer?

It is true that cancer kills hundreds of thousands of people in the United States annually, BUT, the likelihood of a person dying from cancer has steadily decreased since the 1990s. Additionally, the five-year survival rates for cancers such as prostate, thyroid, and breast, are now over 90 percent. For ALL types, it is around 66 percent.

These numbers are based on data from large groups of people. This means that the percentages noted above may not be accurate for each individual. How long a particular cancer patient will live beyond diagnosis or how likely it is that they will survive depends on several factors, including:

1. The patient's overall health;
Whether the cancer is fast or slow-growing; and
2. How much cancer has spread?

Does Sugar Make Cancer Worse?

While research has demonstrated that cancer cells do consume more glucose than normal cells, no studies have concluded that eating sugar would make it worse, or that removing sugar from one's diet will make it better. Changing your sugar habits does not have an impact on cancer itself, however, a high sugar diet is bad for overall health. It may contribute to excessive weight gain and obesity carries a greater risk of developing various cancers. For a healthier lifestyle, it is best to keep your sugar intake minimal.

Don't Artificial Sweeteners Cause Cancer?

We all remember that cancer warning on Sweet 'n' Low (now removed) about it causing cancer in laboratory animals. Specifically, early studies showed that cyclamate in combination with saccharin caused bladder cancer. However, later studies of these sweeteners have not provided clear evidence of a correlation between using artificial sweeteners and developing cancer. The following artificial sweeteners are approved by the FDA and considered safe for human consumption:

• Saccharin
• Aspartame
• Acesulfame Potassium
• Sucralose
• Neotame

Is Cancer Catching?

Cancer is not a contagious disease. A person cannot get cancer from being sneezed on or touched by someone with cancer. The only circumstance where cancer would spread from one person to another is an organ or tissue transplant from someone who had cancer in the past. However, the risk of developing cancer in this situation is extremely low and doctors avoid the use of tissue or organs from donors who have a history of cancer.

In the case of cancer being caused by certain viruses or bacteria, the virus or bacterium could spread (as viruses and bacteria do), but that does not mean that the cancers they cause will also spread.

Don't Worry, Be Happy

Many people feel that having a positive attitude promotes good health and decreases the risk of developing cancer. Likewise, a positive attitude would help a patient more successfully fight cancer. While the NCI claims that there is no convincing scientific evidence to support this theory, we still believe staying positive (but realistic) is the best attitude to have. Just because there is no physical evidence that it helps does not mean a person won't benefit from having a positive outlook.

Herbal Remedies for Cancer

While there are studies that suggest an alternative or complementary therapies may help patients deal with cancer treatment side effects, no herbal products have been shown to be an effective cancer treatment. Some may even be harmful if taken during radiation therapy or chemotherapy. It's always best for a cancer patient to discuss alternative avenues before starting to use them.

My Grandmother Had Cancer, Does That Mean I Will To?

Not necessarily. Only about five to ten percent of cancers are caused by inherited harmful gene mutations. Ninety to 95 percent of cancers are caused by mutations that happen during a person's lifetime. Just because someone in your family had cancer does not mean there is an inherited cancer-causing mutation. However, in families with an inherited gene, multiple family members will often develop the same type of cancer (if they do get cancer at all).

Where To Go From Here

Cancer is scary, but there's no need to go through life in fear of it. The important thing is to be well-informed and lead a healthy lifestyle. With reveal23, you can raise your own awareness about any potential inherited cancer-predisposing mutations so that you can make the best choices for you and your family's future.