However, it is important to differentiate the truth from fiction. Always remember that it is only through proper understanding that you will be able to manage the condition in a better manner. From development of breast lumps to excessive use of cell phones, know more about these common misconceptions linked with different types of cancer.
Myth: Cancer may be contagious
Fact: A healthy person cannot catch the disease through physical contact or by breathing the same air. At the very most, organ transplants from persons with cancer have induced the condition in the other person receiving the organ. Also, there are very miniscule chances for cancers to spread from the mother to the placenta.
Myth: Hair dye can cause brain cancer
Fact: Quite often, you might have heard statements and speculation relating the usage of hair dye with brain cancer. Trust us, it is nothing but one among the many myths associated with cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) mentions that although workplace exposure may be carcinogenic, personal use of hair dyes can never cause any harmful effects on humans.
Myth: Cancer causes hair loss
Fact: This notion is completely irrelevant as hair loss is not the side effect of cancer but of cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Moreover, it is not mandatory that all cases of cancer undergoing these treatments will have hair-loss.
Myth: Cancer may be hereditary
Fact: Many times, you may have observed that a few members within the same family have cancer. This is not surprising, considering the fact that cancer is such a common disease. Moreover, the different members within a family may be exposed to the similar triggering factors like smoking. However, there may be certain cases when cancer is inherited like ovarian cancer or colorectal cancer. But, it is important to note the fact that it is only an abnormal gene and not the cancer itself that is passed from generation to generation.
Myth: All breast lumps are cancerous
Fact: Don't panic if you have found a lump in your breast as not all breast lumps are cancerous. As per research, more than 90 percent of the cases found are not cancer even though some of them are painful. On the other hand, around 10 percent of the diagnosed breast cancer patients do not have any form of breast lumps. However, you may have a reason to worry if your breast lump is associated with nipple discharge, change in the shape or size of breast, redness and nipple tenderness.
Myth: Antiperspirants may cause breast cancer
Fact: According to a factsheet released by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), there is no conclusive research linking the use of deodorants and antiperspirants to the development of breast cancer. In the past, several articles in the press have warned users against the harmful effects of using underarm antiperspirants excessively. These reports claim that certain aluminium-based antiperspirants, when used frequently on the skin near the breast may be absorbed by the skin. This, in turn, promotes the growth of breast cancer cells. However, the NCI along with the US Food and Drug Administration nullify such claims stating that these reports are not associated with substantial scientific explanations.
Myth: Overuse of cell phones causes cancer
Fact: Although, it is a popular belief that the radiofrequency exposure from cellphones increases the risk of cancer, no studies have been able to provide a statistically significant association between the two. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, the "weight" of the current scientific evidence has not been able to provide a conclusive link between cell phones and cancer, and more research is required in this field.
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