Being more informed does not mean being better informed. That is why it is more necessary than ever to distinguish false data from scientific evidence, especially when we talk about health, a sector in which the advertising of miraculous remedies and unscientific practices abound. There are numerous myths surrounding the origin, prevention and cure of cancerTherefore, their identification is an essential requirement when dealing with this disease.
For this reason, the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) has prepared a list breaking down many of those unscientific myths about cancer. The goal is to eradicate these socially established false ideas to help patients and families overcome the disease. Here we leave you some of the most widespread and unfounded myths compiled by the Association.
1) “Cancer is contagious”
No never. Cancer is not an infectious disease, so it cannot be spread from one person to another. However, when you have certain infectious diseases such as AIDS or hepatitis (caused by a virus), there is an increased risk of some cancers. In these cases, AIDS or hepatitis are transmitted and cancer ends up being a possible evolution of these diseases.
2) “Cancer is hereditary”
It is unlikely. Only in some cases there is a certain predisposition to suffer certain types of cancer, although these cases represent 5-10% of all cancers, the remaining 90% are sporadic, that is, they are not transmitted by inheritance.
The main cancers with a hereditary component include breast cancer and colorectal cancer. As Marta Blanco, an AECC oncologist, clarifies, mutations in los genes BRCA1 o BRCA2 imply a greater predisposition to suffer from breast and ovarian cancer, while people with a family history of diseases such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP))or other alterations, such as hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC) or syndromes such as juvenile polyposis or Cowden’s, may increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
However, the fact that there are different cases of cancer in a family does not necessarily mean that we are more likely to suffer from it. “Cancer is a very frequent disease in Spain -says Blanco-. That is why it is not uncommon for there to be several members of the same family who suffer from this disease. However, to suspect that there may be a familial predisposition, a series of criteria must be met to be assessed by doctors, including the existence of cases at younger ages than usual or the existence of two or more first-degree relatives (father/mother, sisters/brothers, sons/daughters), with the same type of cancer related,” he says.
When there is a family history, it is advisable, says Blanco, to consult with the primary care doctor to assess your situation. If the doctor deems it appropriate, he may refer the patient to a Family Cancer Unit where information on cancer cases in the family will be requested. From there, specific diagnostic tests may be prescribed or preventive measures may even be adopted, such as chemoprevention or prophylactic surgery.
“It is important to bear in mind that the results must be properly interpreted and explained by professionals from a specialized family cancer service so that the patient understands the repercussions of the risk associated with the mutation of a gene related to hereditary cancer,” clarifies the doctor.
3) “Cancer always hurts”
Possibly not. Cancer doesn’t have to hurt. The appearance of pain depends on the area in which the tumor is located. But, in any case, there are a large number of pain treatment options that control, in a very high percentage of cases, the patient’s discomfort.
4) “Stress and emotional problems cause cancer and / or make it worse, I have to stay positive or I will not be cured”
False. Scientific studies conducted to date have not shown a direct connection between stress and cancer. The prognosis of cancer depends on a number of factors such as location, extent, and growth rate. Also the previous state of health and the body’s response to treatment, that is, there is no cause-effect relationship.
What is certain is that an optimal state of mind helps to better cope with the disease and its treatments from a psychological point of view.
5) “Chemotherapy kills the good and the bad”
False. Chemotherapy is responsible for destroying cells that have abnormal or very fast growth, which are malignant. But in our organism we have cells that reproduce at a very fast rate and that are not cancerous -for example, those of the blood- that are also affected. In addition, chemotherapy can have side effects that sometimes cause limitations and cause us discomfort.
“Chemotherapy generally attacks the cycle of tumor cells in different ways at times when they are most active -says Dr. Banco-. However, in our body there are a large number of cells that are also very active under normal conditions , such as those of the bone marrow (where blood cells are produced, such as red and white blood cells, or platelets.) In addition, there are many tissues that are constantly renewing themselves, whose cells have a great capacity to reproduce, such as those of the skin surface, mucous membranes (of the mouth and digestive system) and hair follicles. These are the cells that are most easily affected.resulting in some of the most common side effects, such as hair loss, reddening of the skin, nail changes, difficulty swallowing or diarrhea,” he says.
They find the oldest evidence of cancer and a tumor in some human fossils
6) “Cancer is a modern disease”
It isn’t true. There are records of this disease from ancient Egypt dating back to 4000 BC. What happens is that there are currently more advances that make early detection and diagnosis of the disease easier.
7) “Deodorants cause cancer”
False. Currently, there are no studies that clearly and unequivocally indicate that the risk of cancer is increased by the use of these intimate hygiene products. However, every once in a while, fake news appears claiming that deodorants cause cancer.
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The Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) is a non-profit organization made up of patients, family members, volunteers and health professionals that has been working in the fight against cancer for 65 years. Its objective is to prevent, raise awareness, accompany the people affected and finance cancer research projects that allow a better diagnosis and treatment of the disease.