Common Misunderstandings About Cancer

According to an American Cancer Society (ACS) survey, many people don't know basic facts about cancer. People 65 years of age and older seem to have the most misunderstandings.

Knowing the difference between rumor and fact helps us to make smarter health care decisions. Bad information can cause people to avoid lifesaving cancer screenings and treatments.

The following are some common misconceptions people have about cancer:

• Surgically removing a cancerous growth can spread the disease more. Not true! Surgery can be highly effective and will not worsen the disease.
• The risk of dying from cancer is on the rise. Between 1993 and 2002, it did appear that way. That was because the elderly population - those more likely to have cancer - increased. Broken down by age groups, the cancer death rate has been dropping each year since 1993.
• Pain medications don't help with cancer pain. Nineteen percent of those surveyed believed this. Another 13 percent weren't sure. In fact, cancer pain can be relieved with treatment in most cases.
• Older adults don't do well with cancer drugs and radiation therapy. Age has little or nothing to do with how you respond to cancer treatment. Poorer outcomes among the elderly are sometimes caused by fear. This often causes seniors to delay telling their doctors about their symptoms.

True or False?
Did you hear about the study that suggested that cell phone use could cause brain cancer? The fact is that most scientific research shows it does not. What has been proven is that using a cell phone while driving causes more accidents.

According to the National Cancer Institute, there is no evidence that fluoride in water or antiperspirants can cause cancer. Also, just because a certain substance causes cancer in rats, there's no proof that it causes cancer in humans. People are usually not exposed to the same levels of these substances as laboratory rats.

How do you decide whether the health news you hear is reliable? Results from one study are rarely final. News from magazines and TV can be misleading, too, because it is often taken out of context. Whenever you can, look up the study yourself or ask your doctor for information.

Related Articles Separating Myth from Fact: Women and Cancer The Truth about Cancer Medical Breakthrough or Junk Science? Colon and Rectal Cancer Myths Abound Breast Cancer: Dispelling the Myths

External Sources American Cancer Society. Many Still Buy into Common Cancer Myths. Accessed January 15, 2007. National Cancer Institute. Cancer Myths. January 15, 2007.

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