CANCER MYTHS

 

In this article, the issues raised about misinformation about cancer is continued. Recall that this article is an attempt to further identify these myths and provide you the current thoughts shared by experts in the field on oncology.

Consuming sweeteners can cause cancer

This is another common misinformation  we hear. Food additives like sweeteners are used in many fast moving consumer goods (FCMG) as an alternative sugar.

On the other hand, isn’t it true how some of the large food companies either willfully or ignorantly put out information to mislead the general public for commercial purposes. As more data about the dangers of sugar in relation to diabetes and obesity; one of such information for instance; is that their products are sugar-free. Naturally, members of the public are thrilled by such advertisement due to their promised health benefits.

Some of the artificial sweeteners that come to mind include saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, neotame.

Cancer researchers have conducted studies on safety of the artificial sweeteners but found no evidence they can cause cancers in human

 

That Cancer is Contagious

Like other ailment, in many communities, there’s the tendency for us to vilify the things we do not understand.

Scientists tell us that cancer is not a contagious disease that easily spreads from person to person. The only situation which cancer can spread from one person to the other is in the case of organ or tissue transplantation.

NCI mentioned that a person who receives an organ or tissue from a donor who had cancer in the past may be at increased risk of developing a transplant-related cancer in the future. However, that risk is extremely low— about two cases of cancer per 10,000 organ transplants. Doctors avoid the use of organs or tissue from donors who have a history of cancer.

In some people, cancers may be caused by certain viruses (some types of human papillomavirus, hepatitis B or C virus) and bacteria (such as Helicobacter pylori). While a virus or bacterium can spread from person to person, the cancers they sometimes cause cannot spread from person to person.

 

Cancer surgery or tumor biopsy can cause cancer to spread in the body?

While surgery is one of the approaches cancer care specialists administer in addition to pharmacotherapy; biopsy is a diagnostic procedure.

Biopsy usually involves laboratory examination of the tumor, hence, the different types namely excisional biopsy, incisional biopsy, needle biopsy and several others. In excisional biopsy for instance; the entire tumour is removed, while in incisional biopsy, only a piece of a tumour is removed for analysis by a pathologist. In needle biopsy, the removal of a core of tissue from a tumour mass is done with a specially designed needle often under imaging guidance.

From literature, biopsy interpretation is a highly accurate technique that is supplemented with special methods of examination. Tissue sections can be viewed with an electron microscope, or they can be stained, using an immunohistochemical approach that uses antibodies directed against tumour-associated antigens. In addition, molecular biological techniques can be employed to detect mutations in proto-oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes, and cytogenetic tests can be performed on tissue samples to analyze the chromosome content of the cells.

According to NCI, the chance that surgery will cause cancer to spread to other parts of the body is extremely low. Following standard procedures, surgeons use special methods and take many steps to prevent cancer cells from spreading during biopsies or surgery to remove tumors. For example, if they must remove tissue from more than one area of the body, they use different surgical tools for each area.

 

Cell phones cause cancer

Cell phones since they became a common commodity has become subject of many myths and conspiracy theories concerning their ability to cause cancer. There’s been a lot of debates on the impact of electromagnetic waves on the biological cells. Recently, reports on different media held unsubstantiated claims that radio waves emitted from cell phones caused brain cancer, infertility, autism, heart tumors and Alzheimer’s disease. Organisations such as the National Cancer Institute has actually debunked these claims.

They have reported that cell phones emit a type of low frequency energy, however that does not damage genes.

 

Are there herbal products that can cure cancer?

Even in various societies, indigenous medicine is still deeply rooted in the socio-cultural lives of individuals and a component of the health system; this continues to provoke debates. Of course, in both developed and developing economies, indigenous medicine has constantly enjoyed huge patronage.

Typically, in Nigeria, there has been a lot of claims by native medicine practitioners on the efficacy of various medicinal products (in spite of reports of adverse effects caused by the indiscriminate consumption of these products).

Although some studies suggest that alternative or complementary therapies, including some herbs, may help patients cope with the side effects of cancer treatment, no herbal products have been shown to be effective for treating cancer – according a 2018 NCI report. In fact, some herbal products may be harmful when taken during chemotherapy or radiation therapy because they may interfere with how these treatments work.

Of course, it is strongly advised as in other ailment that the cancers patients should talk with their doctor about any complementary and alternative medicine products —including vitamins and herbal supplements—they may be using.

 

If someone in my family has cancer, am I likely to get cancer too?

Not necessarily. Only about 5 to 10 percent of cancers are caused by harmful mutations that are inherited from a person’s parents. This means that the majority of cancers are due to environmental and lifestyle factors and could be therefore, preventable. Can you be that?

There are several scientific reports that have linked cancers to poor diet, lack of physical activities, alcohol consumption, smoking and obesity. Meanwhile, these preventable cancers unfortunately do not only impact health but they have negative consequence on workforce.

In families with an inherited cancer-causing mutation, multiple family members will often develop the same type of cancer. These cancers are called “familial” or “hereditary” cancers.

At this point, it is important to highlight that even if no one in your family has had cancer, it does not mean you are risk-free.

Actually, based on the most recent data, about 38 percent of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lives. Most cancers are caused by genetic changes that occur throughout a person’s lifetime as a natural result of aging and exposure to environmental factors, such as tobacco smoke and radiation. Other factors, such as what kind of food you eat, how much you eat, and whether you exercise, may also influence your risk of developing cancer.

 

Using Antiperspirants or Deodorants cause Breast Cancer

I must have heard this sometime ago in a health talk show on the radio. A specialist had been called in and was asked this particular question regarding the use of deodorants and cancer. The specialist concluded by saying there was a link between the use of deodorants and breast cancer. Maybe, this is another reason why I have not used a deodorant for so many years.

According to the National Cancer Institute; presently, the best studies so far have found no evidence linking the chemicals typically found in antiperspirants and deodorants with changes in breast tissue. More so, in a report originally published by the Mayo Clinic; there's no conclusive evidence linking the use of underarm antiperspirants or deodorants with breast cancer.

Although some studies have suggested that some of these products contain harmful substances such as aluminum compounds and parabens that can be absorbed through the skin or enter the body through nicks caused by shaving. No clinical studies have yet given a definitive answer to the question of whether these products cause breast cancer. But the evidence to date suggests these products don't cause cancer.

They recommend that if you're still concerned that your underarm antiperspirant or deodorant could increase your risk of cancer, choose products that don't contain chemicals that worry you.

Does hair dye use increase the risk of cancer?

There is no convincing scientific evidence that personal hair dye use increases the risk of cancer. Some studies suggest, however, that hairdressers and barbers who are regularly exposed to large quantities of hair dye and other chemical products may have an increased risk of bladder cancer (NCI, 2018).

Cancer cures are being withheld

According to a 2020 report published by Arizona Oncology, this is far from the truth. However, some beliefs that fuel this myth include the idea that cures are either too expensive to create or the government uses disease to control the population. However, neither of these ideas are true. The FDA and cancer care teams around the world are continuously making advances in the fight against cancer. However, every treatment must face rigorous safety tests to ensure there are no dangerous risks. Creating medicines that are safe as well as effective often means they are slow to get to market.

Cancer is a modern disease created by humans

This is another commonly-held belief; however, researchers have debunked it. One report in Arizona Oncology mentioned in fact that the femur of a 240 million-year-old ancestor to turtles was discovered with evidence of bone cancer. Meanwhile, there are other evidence of cancer in ancient times such as the discovery of bone cancer found in the mummies in the ancient Egypt.

In the midst of other evidence, one could say that the longer life expectancy and advancement in diagnostic tools may make it seem like more cancers exists today.

 

That superfoods can stop cancers

This is also another less than accurate information often held in public spaces. Personally, ‘superfoods’ sounds like a buzzword; something a lot of professionals working with social media and digital marketing understand a lot about. Sadly, the buzzword ‘superfoods’ has somehow found its way in the health industry.

Although rarely used by dietitians and nutrition scientists; superfood is a buzzword mainly employed as a marketing tool targeted at selling specific foods, dietary supplements, food with selective food additives and Do-it-yourself (DIY) books about certain diet. They often promise enhancement to health. Unfortunately, they assume special status, making them more expensive than similar food in the store or local market. This is in addition to the fact that, as a 2012 report by the European Food Information Council (EFIC) opined, the purported health benefits and effects of the superfoods are often not supported or disputed by scientific studies.

As promoted by the NCI, while a healthy diet can help improve the way you feel, it cannot remove cancer from your system. Raw fruits and vegetables are a quality addition to a healthy lifestyle that can help you prevent obesity and other cancer risks. Superfoods are simply healthy choices not foods with superpowers.

Microwaving food in plastic containers and wraps release harmful cancer-causing substances

Considering this information, it is important to mention first that, certain plastic containers and wraps labeled as safe for use in the microwave don't pose a threat.

There are however, some evidence that plastic containers that aren't intended for use in the microwave could melt and potentially leak chemicals into your food. Therefore, avoid microwaving plastic containers that were never intended for the microwave, such as margarine tubs, takeout containers or whipped topping bowls. Also, check to see that any container you use in the microwave is labeled as microwave-safe.

This list is not exhaustive especially considering the level at which fake news and false information aided by the internet continues to be a cause for great concern; we recommend that you stay in touch with only information from experts. You should your doctor, that is always a better solution.

Stay blessed.

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Written by: Shobo Akinmayowa Adedoyin