Common Myths vs. Facts

Myth: Cancer is always fatal.

• Fact: Many cancers are treatable or even curable, especially when found early.

Myth: Cancer is contagious.

• Fact: Cancer is not contagious and cannot spread from person to person.

Myth: A positive attitude can cure cancer.

• Fact: A positive attitude can help with coping, but it does not cure cancer.

Myth: Sugar feeds cancer.

• Fact: All cells, including cancer cells, use sugar (glucose), but avoiding sugar alone won’t stop cancer growth.

Myth: Only people with a family history get cancer.

• Fact: Most people diagnosed with cancer have no family history of the disease.

Myth: Cancer treatment is always worse than the disease.

Myth Fact: Modern treatments have improved greatly and are often well-managed by doctors.

: Cell phones cause cancer.

• Fact: There is no conclusive evidence linking cell phone use to cancer.

Myth: Cancer surgery spreads the disease.

• Fact: Surgery does not spread cancer. It’s often the best way to remove it.

Myth: Deodorants and antiperspirants cause breast cancer.

• Fact: There is no scientific proof to support this claim.

Myth: A biopsy or tumor removal causes cancer to spread.

• Fact: Biopsies are safe and do not cause cancer to spread.

Myth: You can catch cancer from someone else.

• Fact: Cancer is not infectious. It cannot be caught like a cold or flu.

Myth: Cancer always comes back.

• Fact: Many people remain cancer-free for life after successful treatment.

Myth: There is nothing I can do to reduce my cancer risk.

• Fact: A healthy lifestyle, regular screenings, and avoiding known risks can lower your chances significantly.

Myth: Herbal products or natural remedies can cure cancer.

• Fact: No herbal or alternative treatments have been scientifically proven to cure cancer.

Myth: People with dark skin don’t get skin cancer.

• Fact: Skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of skin color.

Myth: Cancer always causes pain.

• Fact: Many early-stage cancers cause no pain at all.

Myth: Cancer is a modern disease.

• Fact: Cancer has existed for thousands of years; it’s just better understood and diagnosed today.

Myth: If no one in my family has had cancer, I won’t get it.

• Fact: While family history can raise risk, anyone can develop cancer.

Myth: Young people don’t get cancer.

• Fact: Cancer can occur at any age.

Myth: All cancers are the same.

• Fact: There are more than 100 types of cancer, each with unique behavior and treatment needs.