Cancer Myths & Facts
When it comes to cancer, there are so many unproven stories and myths about this condition that it can be very difficult to sort out the facts from the fiction. Take a look at some common mistakes about cancer and the truth behind these myths.
Superfoods
prevent Cancer
Cancer treatment hurts
more than it cures
Cell phones, computers and microwaves cause Cancer
FACT
Some foods like blueberries, beetroot, broccoli, garlic and green tea are known as cancer-preventing superfoods. These foods are certainly good for your health and are known to have positive effects in the fight against cancer, eg. containing antioxidants or helping to remove toxic elements in the body. However, it would be naive to look at any particular food as a protection against cancer. Everybody is different and cancer reacts differently in every person. There is no single food or food group that can provide enough protection against cancer.tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
FACT
Some people believe conventional cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation are more harmful than helpful, largely due to their visible side effects. This perception is often reinforced when patients are diagnosed at a late stage, requiring aggressive treatment with lower survival rates. As a result, treatments may seem ineffective or overly harsh. However, this view overlooks that early detection significantly improves the success of conventional treatments. While side effects can be severe, these therapies often offer the best chance of survival. Patients should carefully weigh the potential to extend life against quality of life when making informed decisions about their treatment options and overall care.
FACT
It’s easy to see where this myth came from. When it was found that the radioactive fallout from the World War 2 atomic bombs and Chernobyl meltdown resulted in many cases of cancer caused by radiation, people began to link radiation with cancer. The fact is that cell phones, computers and microwave ovens only use low-frequency radio waves that do not damage your genes and cause cancer. Many people do not know that there is actually a lot of background radiation around us in the environment, and none of it has been proven to cause cancer. People should be careful in certain areas with high radiation, like in x-ray rooms, or certain industrial sites. These areas are usually restricted and marked with ‘radioactive hazard’ signs.
Dyeing your hair
can cause Cancer
Cancer is
very painful
FACT
This myth is a strange one that actually has some root in the truth. Part of this myth stems from studies done decades ago, when information about cancer causes were less common, where certain chemicals used in hair dyes were found to be cancerous in animal testing. Since the 1970s, most of these chemicals have been removed from hair dyes, and modern studies have found no increased risk of cancer in people who dye their hair.
FACT
Cancer is the name given to a group of diseases with the common trait of uncontrolled cell division that spreads into surrounding tissues. Not only are there over 100 types of cancer, but each cancer reacts differently in different people. Even in people with the same type of tumour in the same body part, different types of genetic changes can affect the cancer and should be treated differently.
This is why a ‘super cure’ for cancer is very unlikely, and why even the best combination of treatments for each patient can produce very different results. A successful cancer treatment often needs a dedicated and experienced medical team to explore the options and map the most ideal path to recovery.
FACT
Cancer is often believed to be very painful, but this is not always the case. Many cancers cause little to no symptoms, especially in early stages, which can delay diagnosis. Pain is more commonly linked to treatment side effects such as chemotherapy and radiation, but it can be managed with medication and supportive care. While some cases are severe, many patients continue daily activities and receive treatment on an outpatient basis. Responses to treatment vary, and specialists can often tailor approaches to minimise discomfort while maintaining effectiveness and quality of life.
Only smokers
get Lung Cancer
Sugar makes
Cancer grow faster
Are you safe without
family history?
FACT
While smokers may have a very high risk of suffering from lung cancer, they are not the only ones. Your genetic make-up or family history can affect your risk of getting lung cancer. Exposure to substances such as asbestos, radon, uranium, arsenic and second hand smoke can also increase the chance of developing lung cancer. There are also cases of lung cancer caused by scarring in the lung tissue due to previous illnesses and/or infections.
FACT
Sugar does not make cancer grow faster. All cells in the body, including cancer cells, rely on glucose (blood sugar) as a basic source of energy to function and survive. However, increasing sugar intake does not selectively “feed” cancer cells or accelerate their growth. The body tightly regulates blood glucose levels, regardless of how much sugar is consumed. Completely avoiding sugar is neither practical nor necessary. Instead, maintaining a balanced, healthy diet is important to support overall wellbeing, strengthen the body during treatment, and help manage energy levels effectively.
FACT
Since cancer is largely caused by genetic defects in the DNA, many people believe that not having a family history of cancer means that they are very unlikely to develop cancer. In fact, only about 5 – 10% of cancer cases are caused by inherited genetic mutations. The remaining 90 – 95% of cases are caused by the individual’s lifestyle and environment, like a smoking habit or exposure to cancer-causing chemicals. Still, people with a family history of cancer should get screened regularly and maintain a healthy lifestyle as they have a higher risk of developing cancer.
Cancer is a
modern disease
FACT
Cancer is often seen as a modern, man-made disease linked to technology and radiation, but it has existed for thousands of years, documented by ancient physicians. Its apparent rise is largely due to longer life expectancy and improved detection methods. Age is the biggest risk factor, as DNA damage accumulates over time. In the past, many cancer cases likely went undiagnosed and were attributed to general illness or old age. While some modern lifestyle factors, such as smoking and inactivity, can increase cancer risk, it is inaccurate to say that cancer is purely caused by modern technology or is entirely man-made.
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National Line: +264 81 953 7740 Option #7
