Globally, cancer stands as a major cause of mortality, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting 10 million deaths in 2020. In the U.S., it is estimated that 39.5% of people will face a cancer diagnosis at some point in their lives.
The prevalence of this multifaceted group of diseases, which can impact any body part, has given rise to numerous myths and misconceptions. This can lead to a general misunderstanding of cancer’s nature and ramifications.
Given the complexity and variety of cancer types, it’s easy to see how misinformation can spread. Our aim in this article is to address some of these myths and provide clarity on this vast and diverse group of diseases.
Is Cancer a Death Sentence?
Not at all. Although cancer carries a reputation for being fatal, advancements in medical science have led to improved treatment options and a better understanding of the disease, thereby increasing recovery rates.
In the United States, there are an estimated 16.9 million cancer survivors as of January 2019. Over the past 40 years, the U.K. has seen survival rates double.
Survival rates vary significantly by cancer type. For example, in the U.K., testicular cancer has a 98% survival rate, while pancreatic cancer has around a 1% survival rate.
The National Cancer Institute reports that the likelihood of dying from cancer in the U.S. has decreased since the 1990s. Survival rates for some cancers, like breast, prostate, and thyroid cancer, are now over 90%. The current 5-year survival rate for all cancers combined is roughly 67%.
Even though overall cancer death rates are in decline, the rate of survival increase varies widely among different cancer types. A 2020 report in the journal Cancer noted a 1.5% average annual decrease in cancer death rates from 2001 to 2017.
Is Cancer Contagious?
Cancer itself is not contagious, and one cannot spread it to another person.
Still, certain viruses that can lead to cancer are contagious. These include the human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B and C viruses, which can result in cancers of the cervix and liver respectively.
While an infectious agent might cause cancer, the condition itself remains non-contagious. However, there are rare cases documented in animals, such as the Tasmanian devil and dogs, where the cancer can be transmissible, leading to devil facial tumor disease and canine transmissible venereal tumor, respectively.
Cell phones cause cancer
The National Cancer Institute elaborates that while the body does absorb the radiofrequency radiation that cell phones emit, the levels of exposure are considered to be very low. The non-ionizing radiation that comes from cell phones, microwave ovens, and other sources does not possess enough energy to directly damage DNA or other cellular structures in the same way that ionizing radiation can, such as X-rays or gamma rays.
Extensive research has been conducted to determine if there is any association between cell phone use and cancer. To date, most studies have not found a significant association between cell phone use and cancer risk. Large-scale studies, such as the 2010 Interphone study and the Danish Study, a large cohort study that included hundreds of thousands of people over many years, have not established a conclusive link between cell phone use and cancers of the brain, nerves, or other tissues of the head or neck.
However, this area of research is still active, and scientists continue to study potential long-term effects of mobile device radiation, including the ongoing COSMOS study which plans to follow participants for up to 20 to 30 years.
The National Cancer Institute recommends prudent measures for those who may still be concerned, such as using hands-free devices or texting instead of calling to minimize close proximity to the radiation source. Additionally, they encourage ongoing research into this topic to ensure and update safety standards.
In conclusion, the prevalent claim that cell phones cause cancer is not supported by current scientific evidence, and both the National Cancer Institute and the World Health Organization have reported that there is no increased cancer risk from cell phone use. However, as technology and usage patterns evolve, ongoing research is crucial to monitor for any potential changes in risk over time.
Power Lines and Cancer Risk
Contrary to some beliefs, the extremely low-frequency magnetic fields produced by power lines are not ionizing and have not been shown to cause cancer. While the American Cancer Society notes some studies have found a slight increase in childhood leukemia risk associated with living close to power lines, there’s no clear evidence establishing a direct cause-and-effect relationship. These magnetic fields are everywhere in our environment, and we are exposed to them daily without any definitive, causative links to cancer.
Artificial Sweeteners and Cancer Risk
Although early animal studies raised concerns that artificial sweeteners could be linked to cancer, subsequent research in humans has not confirmed this association. Studies involving FDA-approved sweeteners like aspartame have not shown any clear evidence that these substances are linked to cancer in humans. Large-scale studies, including one with over half a million participants, found no connection between aspartame consumption and increased risk of lymphoma, leukemia, or brain cancer.
Cancer Surgery and the Spread of Cancer
The idea that cancer surgery can cause cancer to spread is mostly a myth. While there is a rare possibility that cancer cells can be disturbed and spread during surgery, advancements in surgical techniques and detailed imaging have made this incredibly uncommon. Moreover, the misconception that exposure to air during surgery causes cancer to grow faster is entirely unfounded.
Herbal Medicines as a Cure for Cancer
To date, there is no scientific evidence to support claims that herbal medicines can cure or treat cancer. While some complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, meditation, and yoga, can help manage stress and the side effects of cancer treatment, they should not be seen as replacements for conventional cancer treatment. The National Cancer Institute warns that not everything natural is necessarily safe, and in certain cases, herbal supplements can be harmful, especially if not used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Cancer Is Inherited
It’s a misconception that all cancers are inherited. In reality, only a small percentage, estimated between 3% and 10%, result from genetic mutations passed down from parents.
Since cancer risk increases with age and people are living longer, it’s now more common for individuals to have relatives who have had cancer. This fact has likely contributed to the myth that cancer is always a family legacy.
Most cancer cases actually arise from gene mutations that occur during a person’s life rather than those inherited from a family lineage. The American Cancer Society clarifies that most cancers are not directly linked to the genes inherited from parents but are caused by gene changes accumulating over time in one cell.
Cancer Is Inevitably Recurrent
This statement is a myth. Modern cancer treatments have significantly improved, raising the potential for completely curing cancers and achieving complete remission.
Dr. Collin Vu, a medical oncologist and hematologist, emphasizes that although different cancer types vary widely in their curability and the typical time frames in which they may recur, the notion that cancer invariably returns is false.
Dr. Vu expresses optimism about the continuous advancement in cancer treatments, anticipating that with ongoing scientific progress, better treatments, and increased awareness of cancer risks and early detection, the belief that ‘cancer always comes back’ could become even more unfounded in the future.
There is no cure for cancer
ndeed, the belief that cancer is invariably incurable is a myth. With the relentless progress in medical research and the development of treatment methods, many types of cancer are now curable, particularly when diagnosed early.
Testicular and thyroid cancers, for instance, have notably high cure rates. The concept of a “cure rate” refers to the proportion of patients who are expected to have the same life expectancy as the general population after a cancer diagnosis.
Other cancers such as breast, prostate, and bladder cancer also have substantial cure rates hovering around 50%. While it’s true that not all cancers can be cured completely, there is a justified optimism in the medical community. This optimism is based on the continuous advancements in screening methods, treatments, and overall cancer management strategies.
Dr. Anton Bilchik adds to this positive outlook, emphasizing that even patients with advanced-stage cancers have reason to hope. Modern immunotherapies and surgical techniques offer promising results. For example, a significant percentage of patients with advanced melanoma and metastatic colon cancer have achieved curation through these modern interventions.
Cancer treatment and research are dynamic fields where progress is continuously made, increasing the chances of curing or successfully managing many types of cancer. While challenges remain, the notion that cancer is a definite death sentence is outdated and does not reflect the current possibilities offered by contemporary medical science.
