Cancer

It's that time of year again - spring time. While you're packing away those winter coats and snow boots why not get rid of the clutter as well. I don't mean that stockpile of mail and magazines decorating the coffee table either. I'm talking about clearing up that clutter of misinformation in your brain. So, what are you waiting for? Let's spring into action by cleaning up and throwing out some bad information today!

What better place to start then with cancer myths. Cancer myths are spreading like wildfire. And with the click of a mouse your exposure to misinformation is growing exponentially. Whether you're getting information from emails, the Internet or your great-aunt, it's important to research information for yourself and ask your doctor questions.

Why is it important to dispel not only misleading information about cancer, but health myths altogether? While some myths may be too strange to believe, the ones that appear credible are the most disconcerting because believing them may be hazardous to your health.

There are many myths floating about regarding cancer. Don't buy into the hype. Here are 10 cancer myths that I am ready to bust wide open:

THE RISK OF DYING FROM CANCER IN AMERICA IS INCREASING
The elderly more commonly have cancer and so as the population age increases so does the overall number of deaths. But, looking at age groups specifically will show that both diagnosis and risk of dying from cancer is actually falling in America.

POLLUTED CITIES POSE GREATER RISK THAN SMOKING
Smokers continue to take a "drag" because some may believe living in a polluted city is far worse for their health. Yes, pollutants contributed by vehicles and power plants are responsible for 2% of lung cancer. But, that's no excuse to continue smoking. Irrespective of pollution, cigarettes are responsible for about 90% of all lung cancer cases. Smokers check out the smoke free website for help on quitting.

REMOVING CANCER SURGICALLY CAUSES IT TO SPREAD
Years ago, cancer patients in advanced stages sought help from their doctors. Many of them did not realize they even had cancer or were in such a late stage of the disease. So when surgery was performed to determine the problem many doctors realized that the disease had already spread and little could be done to help at the time. Consequently, when patients died shortly after diagnosis it appeared to others that the surgery contributed to their deaths. The reality is, cancer specialists can biopsy cancer and remove it surgically without causing it to spread.

INJURIES LEAD TO CANCER LATER IN LIFE
Traumas do not subsequently lead to cancer in people. At times an injury calls for testing that may lead doctors to find other preexisting medical conditions such as cancer.

DARKER SKIN PEOPLE DON'T GET SKIN CANCER
Melanin is a natural filter for UV light and in darker skin it is more concentrated. People with darker skin still need sunscreen protection. Without it they run the risk of getting melanomas. Although the risk is less than in those with paler skin, people with darker skin may not get help early enough resulting in a more aggressive form of melanomas.

ANTIPERSPIRANT/DEODORANT AND BREAST CANCER
Stories have been circulating about substances within these products that can be absorbed through cuts (e.g., shaving) in the skin or the armpits. These substances have been reported to be associated with breast cancer. Researchers have not found any information to link these products to the development of breast cancer.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES CAUSE CANCER
Are you cautious about standing in the kitchen while popping your microwavable movie treat? Research conducted on microwaves and other electronic devices such as cell phones have not demonstrated a clear association between these electronics and cancer. The products emit low-frequency radiation which does not cause DNA changes that can ultimately lead to increase cancer risk.

GET RID OF BUGS, GET CANCER
Household bug sprays and agricultural pesticides are believed to cause cancer. Actually, reports of cancer development after pesticide use have been reported in mice. Using bug spray in the home won't increase one's risk for cancer because very low doses of the chemicals are used for home products. Avoiding fruits and vegetables because of this myth regarding the dangers of agricultural pesticides will cause more problems. Diets low in fruits and vegetables have been associated with cancer.

SUGAR SUBSTITUTES AND CANCER
The issue of whether artificial sweeteners cause cancer came about after early studies showed that laboratory animals given sugar substitutes developed bladder cancer. But, research studies conducted to demonstrate if there is a similar risk in people have not been conclusive.

DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS AND CANCER
Recent studies have shown that there is little evidence to support that the health of cancer patients improves with the use of dietary supplements. While the health benefits remain unclear, some studies show that the use of vitamins may worsen or increase the risk for some cancers.

NO URBAN LEGEND
With the warm weather comes many BBQ days ahead. Here is a bit of truth to remember about cancer and grilling:

Grilling meats form heterocyclic amines which are harmful and increases a person's cancer risk. These chemicals are especially found in greater amounts when meats are burned or well-done. So, avoid eating the burned parts of grilled meat. To limit you and your guests' intake at the next BBQ add grilled vegetables to the mix. This is a safe way to incorporate a food group that is good for you without taking away the grilling part that makes BBQs so fun and enjoyable.

The bottom line is that people need to be armed with the right information so that they can make informed choices about healthy practices in their lives. Remember to stay focused and do your research when you read information on the Internet that doesn't come from evidence-based websites such as the National Institute for Cancer.

Sources: http://health.discovery.com/centers/cancer/top10myths/top10myths.html, http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter/tip-sheet-cancer-myths