Myths about cancer can sometimes be convincing because they sound like common sense. In fact, they are not based on scientific evidence and are misleading and dangerous.
The real harm comes when people make decisions based on misinformation or hoaxes, rather than scientific evidence or the advice of health professionals. When it comes to your health, it's important to separate fact from fiction.
| 1. Myth |
Cancer is contagious. |
| Fact
|
Unlike a cold or the flu, you cannot catch
cancer by coming in contact with someone who has it.
|
| 2. Myth
|
All tumours are malignant.
|
| Fact
|
Tumours can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Benign tumour cells stay in one place in the body. Benign tumours
are not usually life-threatening. Malignant tumour cells are able
to invade the tissues around them and spread to other parts of the body.
|
| 3. Myth
| Cancer can spread as a result of treatment.
|
| Fact
|
In many cases, surgery is an essential part of the cancer treatment
plan. Cancer surgeons, known as surgical oncologists, know how to safely
take biopsy samples for testing and how to remove tumours without causing
spread of the cancer.
|
| 4. Myth
| Bras cause breast cancer. |
| Fact
| At this time, there is no
reliable, scientific evidence that shows a link between wearing a
bra and developing breast cancer. |
| 5. Myth
| An injury, like a bruise or sprain, can cause cancer. |
| Fact
|
A fall, bruise or sprain does not cause cancer. However, a person
may visit his or her doctor about an injury and, by chance, a tumour could
be found at that time. There is no evidence that any type of cancer is
caused by injury alone.
|
| 6. Myth
| Freckles are a sign of cancer. |
| Fact
|
Freckles are not a sign of cancer and do not become cancerous. However,
the risk
of skin cancer is increased for people with freckles. Reduce your
risk of skin cancer by following these SunSense
tips. There is one type of skin cancer called melanoma that may look like
a freckle in its early stages. Check
your skin regularly and see your doctor if a mole changes colour or
shape or if it itches or bleeds.
|
| 7. Myth
| A tan is healthy and will prevent sunburn and skin cancer. |
| Fact
|
A suntan won't protect you against skin cancer. A tan is the sign
of damage or injury to your skin. Having what people call a base tan does
not offer protection against further sun damage. For those who still feel
they must have a tan, the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) recommends
the use of self-tanning
creams, applied at night, followed with a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.
Remember, self-tanning creams do not provide sun protection.
|
| 8. Myth
| Light or mild cigarettes are less likely to cause cancer. |
| Fact
|
Regular smokers who switch to these low
tar and low nicotine cigarettes tend to adjust their smoking habits
by inhaling deeply or longer or covering up the ventilation holes to get
enough nicotine to feel good. This also means they are inhaling more chemicals
and tar.
|
| 9. Myth
| Lung cancer is the only type of cancer that smokers have to worry about. |
| Fact
|
It is estimated that smoking is responsible for 30% of all cancer
deaths and is related to more than 85% of lung cancer cases in Canada.
Smoking can also increase the risk of many other cancers, including cancer
of the bladder,
cervix,
colon
and rectum, esophagus,
kidney,
larynx,
mouth
and throat, pancreas,
and stomach.
|
| 10. Myth
| Whether or not you get cancer is determined by luck or genetics. There isn't much you can do about it. |
| Fact
|
There is a lot we can do to prevent cancer, both as individuals
and as a society. At least half of all cancers can be prevented through
healthy living and policies that protect the health of Canadians.
|
This article was prepared by the 
