Cancer Myths, Busted

Cancer is surrounded by more myths and misconceptions than almost any other disease. From everyday household items to miracle cures, it can be hard to separate genuine risk factors from fear-driven misinformation. Understanding what does — and doesn’t — cause cancer is crucial, not only for peace of mind but for making informed choices about your health. Let’s take a look at some of the most common cancer myths and the facts behind them.

Myth 1: What Actually Causes Cancer

It would be easy to assume that almost everything in the modern world causes cancer, or increases your risk of developing it. It feels like there’s something new every few weeks being talked about. The good news is, 90% of it is just scaremongering. Things like mobile phones, plastic bottles, deodorant, microwaves and even burnt food have all been held up as ‘cancer causing’, but there is absolutely no proof of this. There have been decades of intensive research put into figuring out the causes and risk factors for cancer, and rather than artificial sweeteners or bras, the biggest, proven causes are:

• Tobacco (which is the biggest cause of cancer in the world)

• Obesity

• Alcohol

• HPV infections (which there is a vaccination for)

• Processed meat

• Too much exposure to UV

  
  

Myth 2: Following a Specific Diet Can Cure Cancer

Sadly, this is a complete myth. While maintaining a healthy diet is important for your overall health, especially if you’re going through cancer treatment, there’s no specific food or diet that can cure cancer. Some people think that certain foods that have beneficial properties for your immune system can provide a ‘miracle cure’ if you take enough. And while things like antioxidants are good for keeping you healthy, they can’t replace medical treatments for cancer. By all means take the supplements if you want, but always take proper medical advice and treatment as well.

Myth 3: Alternative Therapies Can Cure Cancer

This is another popular myth, and one that’s mainly born of hope. But while alternative therapies and treatments can provide some comfort and relief from cancer symptoms, they cannot cure the cancer itself. Curing cancer, or achieving remission can only be done through evidence-based medical treatments that are provided by healthcare professionals. Again, if alternative therapies can provide you some relief and comfort, then they are only a good thing. But they should always be done with medical advice and alongside proper medical treatments.

Myth 4: Only Old People Get Cancer

Sadly, not the case. Cancer can affect people of all ages, including children and young adults. In fact, there are types of cancer that almost exclusively affect children, including neuroblastoma, Wilms tumour, sarcoma and retinoblastoma. And almost 30% of Leukaemia cases are children. While the risks of developing cancer do go up as you get older, it’s important to remember that cancer can happen at any stage of life.

Myth 5: Cancer is a Death Sentence

Cancer is a very scary diagnosis to receive. There’s no doubt about that! And it is a life changing and potentially fatal diagnosis too. But that doesn’t mean your doctor just handed you a death sentence. Advances in early detection, treatment options and supportive care have hugely improved survival and remission rates. Survival rates also vary hugely depending of the type of cancer, with things like testicular cancer (93% survival), skin melanoma (92.6%) and prostate cancer (88.5%) having the highest rates. So while it is serious, a cancer diagnosis doesn’t mean the end.

Myth 6: Cancer is Genetic

This one is tricky, because it’s a kind of half-truth. Cancer is caused by harmful mutations in your genes, which means there are some harmful gene mutations that can be inherited from your parents. But that only accounts for around 5-10% of cancers, when multiple family members will develop the same kind of cancer. These are known as familial cancers. The other 90-95% of cancers are caused by mutations that happen during your lifetime, and are a result of things like aging and exposure to environmental factors.

Myth 7: Cancer Surgery or Biopsy Can Spread the Cancer

This is a very understandable worry, but thankfully it’s just that – a worry. The chances that a surgery or having a biopsy taken will spread the cancer around your body is incredibly low – almost 0 in fact. Standard surgical procedures are in place to ensure no cross-contamination, with surgeons using special methods and taking multiple steps to prevent cancer cells from spreading during biopsies or surgeries. And if they need to remove tissue from more than one area of the body, then different surgical tools will be used on each area. So while there are a few different ways cancer can spread in your body, surgery or biopsy isn’t one of them.

Misinformation about cancer can be frightening and, in some cases, harmful. While cancer is a serious and life-altering diagnosis, it’s not caused by everything around us, nor is it always a death sentence. Scientific research and modern medicine have given us clear evidence about real risk factors, effective treatments, and improving survival rates. By relying on evidence-based information rather than myths, we can reduce unnecessary fear and focus on prevention, early detection, and proper care.

And, of course, taking care of yourself! At Jill’s Fundraising Journey we provide free holidays for cancer patients, or the families of people affected by a cancer diagnosis. Our getaways give you the chance to rest, process, or just spend time making memories with the people who you love most. If you’d like to know more, just get in touch, or book a holiday here.