Brainfade Posted February 19, 2015 Posted February 19, 2015 http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/myths#.VOYgILmMmvg.twitter From the National Cancer Institute, a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) - not Dr. Oz, and not our typical whatsapp group forward. Common Cancer Myths and Misconceptions Certain popular ideas about how cancer starts and spreads—though scientifically wrong—can seem to make sense, especially when those ideas are rooted in old theories. But wrong ideas about cancer can lead to needless worry and even hinder good prevention and treatment decisions. This page provides the latest science-based information about some common cancer myths and misconceptions. Is cancer a death sentence? In the United States, the likelihood of dying from cancer has dropped steadily since the 1990s. Five-year survival rates for some cancers, such as breast, prostate, and thyroid cancers, now exceed 90 percent. The 5-year survival rate for all cancers combined is currently about 66 percent. For more information, see the Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer. It is important to note, however, that these rates are based on data from large numbers of people. How long an individual cancer patient will live and whether he or she will die from the disease depend on many factors, including whether the cancer is slow or fast growing, how much the cancer has spread in the body, whether effective treatments are available, the person’s overall health, and more. Will eating sugar make my cancer worse? No. Although research has shown that cancer cells consume more sugar (glucose) than normal cells, no studies have shown that eating sugar will make your cancer worse or that, if you stop eating sugar, your cancer will shrink or disappear. However, a high-sugar diet may contribute to excess weight gain, and obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing several types of cancer. For more information, see the NCI fact sheet on Obesity and Cancer Risk. Do artificial sweeteners cause cancer? No. Researchers have conducted studies on the safety of the artificial sweeteners (sugar substitutes) saccharin (Sweet 'N Low®, Sweet Twin®, NectaSweet®); cyclamate; aspartame (Equal®, NutraSweet®); acesulfame potassium (Sunett®, Sweet One®); sucralose (Splenda®); and neotame and found no evidence that they cause cancer in humans. All of these artificial sweeteners except for cyclamate have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for sale in the United States. For more information, see the NCI fact sheet on Artificial Sweeteners and Cancer. Is cancer contagious? In general, no. Cancer is not a contagious disease that easily spreads from person to person. The only situation in which cancer can spread from one person to another is in the case of organ or tissue transplantation. 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, or HPV, for example) 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. For more information about cancer-causing viruses and bacteria, see the NCI fact sheets on Helicobacter pylori and Cancer, HPV and Cancer, and Cancer Vaccines. Does my attitude—positive or negative—determine my risk of, or likely recovery from, cancer? To date, there is no convincing scientific evidence that links a person’s “attitude†to his or her risk of developing or dying from cancer. If you have cancer, it’s normal to feel sad, angry, or discouraged sometimes and positive or upbeat at other times. People with a positive attitude may be more likely to maintain social connections and stay active, and physical activity and emotional support may help you cope with your cancer. For more information, see the NCI fact sheet on Psychological Stress and Cancer. Can cancer surgery or a tumor biopsy cause cancer to spread in the body? 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. For information about how cancer spreads in the body, see the NCI fact sheet on Metastatic Cancer. Will cancer get worse if exposed to air? No. Exposure to air will not make tumors grow faster or cause cancer to spread to other parts of the body. For information about how cancer spreads in the body, see the NCI fact sheet on Metastatic Cancer. Do cell phones cause cancer? No, not according to the best studies completed so far. Cancer is caused by genetic mutations, and cell phones emit a type of low-frequency energy that does not damage genes. For more information, see the NCI fact sheet on Cell Phones and Cancer Risk. Do power lines cause cancer? No, not according to the best studies completed so far. Power lines emit both electric and magnetic energy. The electric energy emitted by power lines is easily shielded or weakened by walls and other objects. The magnetic energy emitted by power lines is a low-frequency form of radiation that does not damage genes. For more information, see the NCI fact sheet on Magnetic Field Exposure and Cancer. Are there herbal products that can cure cancer? No. 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. In fact, some herbal products may be harmful when taken during chemotherapy or radiation therapy because they may interfere with how these treatments work. Cancer patients should talk with their doctor about any complementary and alternative medicine products—including vitamins and herbal supplements—they may be using. For more information, see Topics in Complementary and Alternative Therapies, which includes some information about Botanicals/Herbal Products that have been studied. If someone in my family has cancer, am I likely to get cancer, too? Not necessarily. Cancer is caused by harmful changes (mutations) in genes. Only about 5 to 10 percent of cancers are caused by harmful mutations that are inherited from a person’s parents. 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. The remaining 90 to 95 percent of cancers are caused by mutations that happen during a person’s lifetime as a natural result of aging and exposure to environmental factors, such as tobacco smoke and radiation. These cancers are called “non-hereditary†or “spontaneous†cancers. For more information about the risk of getting cancer, see the NCI fact sheet on Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancer Syndromes and Cancer Causes and Risk Factors. If no one in my family has had cancer, does that mean I’m risk-free? No. Based on the most recent data, about 40 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. For more information, see Cancer Causes and Risk Factors. Do antiperspirants or deodorants cause breast cancer? No. The best studies so far have found no evidence linking the chemicals typically found in antiperspirants and deodorants with changes in breast tissue. For more information, see the NCI fact sheet on Antiperspirants/Deodorants and Breast Cancer. 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. For more information, see the NCI fact sheet on Hair Dyes and Cancer Risk.
coffee_rules Posted February 19, 2015 Posted February 19, 2015 TFS. Are there any myths regarding HPV vaccine given to teenage girls preventing cervical cancer later in their life? There is a lot of debate where conservatives debating that teens given this vaccine will get free licence to have unprotected sex. The claims of the vaccine are also not believable, OTOH.
Brainfade Posted February 19, 2015 Author Posted February 19, 2015 TFS. Are there any myths regarding HPV vaccine given to teenage girls preventing cervical cancer later in their life? There is a lot of debate where conservatives debating that teens given this vaccine will get free licence to have unprotected sex. The claims of the vaccine are also not believable' date=' OTOH.[/quote'] There is enough real evidence that the vaccine protects for > 10 years (2006 was the first time it has been recommended for widespread use). I am not sure why you feel the vaccine claims are not believable. You think teens are worried about cervical cancer when their hormones are flowing like crazy? As for politics, it is ironic that Rick Perry caught tremendous flak from cons and libs alike for making the HPV vaccine mandatory for teenagers.
Desi Cartman Posted February 19, 2015 Posted February 19, 2015 I had never come across any young person suffering from cancer till a few months ago. I had met people who told me about their uncle or parents suffering or maybe a colleague in the office with whom I didn't speak much but then 6 months ago I met this guy at work and he is just an amazing person. Very successfully, self driven, a caring family man. Just a really nice guy in late 40s or early 50s. We were talking at a business dinner and he told me how his 15 year old wants to go to Spain for a year and he doesn't want it as he is too young but he doesn't want his love to stop him. He was almost in tears just talking about his son being away for a few months. He is successful enough to travel every week to Spain if he wants to plus he has business meetings in Europe every few weeks but I saw his face and his emotions. He wasn't crying but I saw a great family man, a good father, something I want to be one day. 2 weeks later I see an email from the CEO stating that this individual has been diagnosed with blood cancer. I'm a pretty selfish guy but it shook me. It still makes me shiver when I think about it. He went for intensive therapy and is now back in the office at times and whenever I meet him, my 2nd question is "how is your son?". He made sure his son went to Spain. He is getting therapy and is trying experimental drug that has a syringe in him 24hrs a day. He still doesn't talk about his illness with a long face, he just talks about how day to day things are important, how it's important that his team makes their goals. He can retire anytime but he is still so involved. He has that energy, maybe cancer has made him a better person but he is fighting as hard as anybody can. I hope he recovers but I have been told that he has limited time. I see him and I just want to tell him how brave he is but I can't and it bothers me. I don't know why I wrote all what I did but I had to, I'm letting it all out. It's such an awful disease and we should all donate money and try to do what we can. Anyway.. Thanks for sharing
coffee_rules Posted February 19, 2015 Posted February 19, 2015 There is enough real evidence that the vaccine protects for > 10 years (2006 was the first time it has been recommended for widespread use). I am not sure why you feel the vaccine claims are not believable. You think teens are worried about cervical cancer when their hormones are flowing like crazy? As for politics, it is ironic that Rick Perry caught tremendous flak from cons and libs alike for making the HPV vaccine mandatory for teenagers. I have read claims (or probably ads) that say they will be protected for life and it is 100% foolproof. My opinion on vaccination politics is it should be made mandatory only if it is known to be contagious. In case of HPV, make the information available to all and let the parent decide as cancer is not contagious.
Desi Cartman Posted February 19, 2015 Posted February 19, 2015 I have read claims (or probably ads) that say they will be protected for life and it is 100% foolproof. My opinion on vaccination politics is it should be made mandatory only if it is known to be contagious. In case of HPV' date=' make the information available to all and let the parent decide as cancer is not contagious.[/quote'] Is polio contagious? Serious question as I don't know. We are so confused as no one gives vaccination for TB in Australia and the U.S. but since we visit India, should we give it to our kids? We gave it to our elder one where but are seriously thinking if we should for the second one.
Brainfade Posted February 19, 2015 Author Posted February 19, 2015 I have read claims (or probably ads) that say they will be protected for life and it is 100% foolproof. My opinion on vaccination politics is it should be made mandatory only if it is known to be contagious. In case of HPV' date=' make the information available to all and let the parent decide as cancer is not contagious.[/quote'] It's impossible to say if anything is 100% foolproof. What we do know is that, in clinical trials plus the 10 yrs that it's been used, there are no known cases of vaccinated people getting infected. Some facts: (1) HPV is contagious upon sexual contact. (2) Not everyone who gets infected will get cervical cancer. Some may just get genital / oral warts but never get cancer. In this case, I agree that an easy preventative is abstinence. How practical it is can be decided by the individual.
HippoSucks Posted February 19, 2015 Posted February 19, 2015 Is polio contagious? Serious question as I don't know. Poliovirus (the agent causing poliomyelitis) is extremely contagious, mainly through the fecal-oral route.
Brainfade Posted February 19, 2015 Author Posted February 19, 2015 Is polio contagious? Serious question as I don't know. Most definitely. But, thanks to the vaccine, it has been eradicated. We are so confused as no one gives vaccination for TB in Australia and the U.S. but since we visit India, should we give it to our kids? We gave it to our elder one where but are seriously thinking if we should for the second one. That's because TB is not very prevalent in the US and Australia and your chances of coming in close contact with a TB patient are slim to none. In India, however, the chances are higher. Here's an excellent resource on whether you or your child should get the vaccination. http://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/vaccines/
Clarke Posted February 20, 2015 Posted February 20, 2015 Cancer is somewhat intriguing to me (as a real life super villain/mass murderer). I started reading this book sometime back, talks a lot about the recent history of the disease initially, need to pick it up again:
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