Medically reviewed by Wen Liang, DO.
Cancer affects about 1 in 3 Americans, and although awareness is growing, there are still common misconceptions regarding everything from cancer prevention to treatment. Some myths are simply confused ideas, but others stem from fear or misinformation. Understanding the facts can help you make informed choices about your health.
Myth: A Cancer Diagnosis Is a Death Sentence.
Let’s clear up one of cancer’s biggest misconceptions. Cancer is not always fatal. Research shows that there are more than 18 million cancer survivors alive today, and that number keeps growing. Treatments continue to improve, we understand risk factors better, and we know more about prevention than ever before. The numbers tell the story:
- 70% of people live five or more years after their cancer diagnosis, for people diagnosed between 2015 and 2021.
- 78% of cancer survivors are age 60 or over.
- The cancer death rate dropped by 34%between 1991 and 2019.
Cancer is still a serious diagnosis, and there are many factors that go into treating it. Some cancers are more difficult to treat than others, and each type has its own survival rate. Detecting cancers in their early stages increases the chance of survival, and making better health and lifestyle choices can improve how well treatment works. A cancer diagnosis is certainly life-changing, but it’s not necessarily life-ending.
Personalized treatment means we can now test a specific patient’s cancer to inform a unique treatment plan, often with fewer side effects, for targeted therapy. This is one way in which advances in science and technology have improved cancer survival rates to an all-time high (although admittedly, not high enough). For comparison, in the mid 1970’s, the five-year cancer survival rate was 50%.
Myth: Cancer Is Contagious.
No type of cancer is contagious. Cancer cells can’t pass from person to person, so you won’t catch it from close contact or spending time with loved ones who have cancer.
However, some cancers can be caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites that can spread between people. Human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and C viruses, and the bacteria Helicobacter pylori are some of the infectious agents that may lead to cancer.
Myth: Your Family History Can Tell You Everything You Need to Know About Cancer Risks.
Did you know that between 90 and 95 percent of cancers are related to age, environmental exposures and lifestyle habits, such as smoking—not inherited genetics? In other words, most patients who are diagnosed with cancer do not have a family history of that cancer. Even if you have a family history of cancer, prevention is still the most effective way to reduce your risk.
Harmful genetic mutations that can increase your risk of certain cancers can be passed through families, so you may wish to consider genetic testing. This can help you better understand your own risks and the genes you might pass on to your children. Consulting with a Genetic Counselor is the most effective way to understand your specific familial risk and which, if any, tests will give you the most accurate answers.
Myth: Cancer Is Cancer. It Doesn’t Matter What Kind You Have, and the Risk Factors Are All the Same.
It’s true that you can reduce risk factors for some of the most common cancers with healthy lifestyle choices like quitting smoking (avoiding cigarettes and e-cigarettes, as well as second-hand smoke), staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet (high fiber, plant-rich and low processed foods) and limiting alcohol use. Other factors, such as specific demographics, geographic location, and certain occupations, can increase the risk of certain cancer types.
Treatment methods vary, too. Some cancers can be treated with surgery, while others need chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy or other treatments. There are many types of cancer treatments, each targeting a specific cancer type, location or stage. If you need cancer treatment, your doctor can explain the benefits and side effects and help you decide which method is right for you. Your cancer specialist will know the best plan to help you become a survivor.
Myth: Cancer is Always Painful. If You Have Cancer, You’ll Definitely Know It.
Not all cancers have obvious symptoms. Colorectal cancer, for example, often goes undetected and has no symptoms at all until doctors find growths during screenings. Other cancers have very general symptoms, like fatigue or changes in bathroom habits. Some cancer symptoms are more noticeable, like a lump or persistent pain. Knowing your individualized cancer risk, knowing what is “normal” for you and following early detection guidelines are ways you can be your best healthcare advocate.
Myth: I’ve Looked Up My Symptoms. It Must Be Cancer!
Cancer is common and has a long list of symptoms. And yes, when you research many health complaints, cancer often appears on the list of possible causes. Remember, the internet is a catch-all for a lot of information for everyone. Only your doctor and specialist can evaluate your symptoms, your risks and address your concerns.
Myth: Stress Causes Cancer.
Stress can have a real impact on your physical health. Increased blood pressure, weakened immune system, inflammation and mental health conditions can all be hard on your well-being. Researchers have not found a clear, direct link between stress and cancer, but they do know that stress can lead to unhealthy behaviors, like eating junk food, drinking too much or losing sleep—which may be linked to cancer. Controlling stress can help you take better care of yourself and may ultimately reduce your risk of cancer.
Myth: Sugar Causes Cancer.
Like stress, sugar may have an indirect link to cancer. The biggest connection between intake of added sugar and cancer is obesity, which is a known risk factor for 13 types of cancer. Research has shown consuming sugary drinks, for example, was linked to an 18% higher risk of overall cancer and a 22% higher risk for breast cancer. Eating too much added sugar is also linked to diabetes, heart disease, tooth decay and health problems that may increase your risk of cancer. Following a healthy, balanced diet with limited processed foods and sweets can help reduce your risk.
Myth: Deodorant Causes Cancer.
The use of deodorants and/or antiperspirants in the armpit has not been proven to cause cancer. While certain ingredients, plugged sweat ducts and cuts from shaving can be irritating or otherwise concerning to some patients, there is no convincing evidence to link deodorant and antiperspirant use to breast cancer based on statements from The American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute and the FDA.
Myth: There’s Still No Cure for Cancer, So it Must Be Too Hard to Cure.
A growing population in the US, and especially an aging population, means we are living longer, but this is certainly an important reason for the rising incidence of cancer. Finding a cure isn’t impossible, but it’s very challenging because cancer is not a single disease. There are more than 200 kinds of cancer. Everyone’s experience is different, risk factors vary and each type has its own unique traits. Even though cancer is a complex problem to solve, researchers are always working toward new diagnosis methods, treatments and prevention techniques. Advances in cancer care have made many cancers more treatable than ever before.