Common Cancer Myths and Misconceptions

There are some common myths that tend to cloud people’s mind about cancer. These myths can be seriously misleading and turn out to be dangerous for your health. Busting them and knowing the real facts behind them may help lead to a better understanding of cancer.

Common myths on cancer include:

Myth: Cancer is contagious
Fact: Generally, cancer is not contagious, meaning that it does not spread from person to person. Under one situation in that cancer can prove to be contagious is in the case of organ or tissue transplantation. However, the risk of this is quite low as doctors strictly avoid using organs or tissue from donors with a cancer history.

Myth: Eating sugar can worsen your cancer
Fact: Till date, there has been no conclusive evidence that shows that eating sugar will make cancer grow or spread. Though, eating a diet high in sugar content may lead to weight gain. And weight gain has been tied to an increased risk of developing cancer.

Myth: Surgery is a must for every cancer patient

Fact: Not every patient suffering from cancer will have to undergo surgery and nor it is an appropriate approach for every type of cancer. Though it may be the first line of treatment for some cancer patients, may not be an ideal choice for others.

Myth: Cancer spreads if it is operated
Fact: With tremendous improvements in the medical sciences, the risk of such complications hardly exists. The surgeons make sure to use special methods and take the necessary steps to prevent cancer cells from spreading during biopsies or surgery to remove tumors.

Myth: Microwaving food in plastic containers releases harmful, cancer-causing substances
Fact: You must have heard of the term ‘microwave-safe’, this means that the plastic which has this feature is safe to be used in the microwave. But plastic containers not intended to be used in the microwave may melt and release chemicals into your food.

So, don’t let any of these myths leave you confused. If you have any kind of doubt in your mind, it is better to consult your doctor for further clarification.