Myths and Facts

Fact: No, cancer is not a contagious disease. Cancer cannot spread from person to person except through an organ transplant in extremely rare cases. The risk of developing transplant-related cancer is exceptionally low, with a frequency of 2 cases per 10,000 organ transplants because doctors refrain from using tissues or organs from donors with cancer history.

Certain viruses and bacteria, for example the human papillomavirus (HPV) or the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, may contribute to the development of cancer in certain individuals. Although viruses or bacteria can spread from person to person, the cancers that they can cause cannot be transmitted between individuals.

Fact: Having a family history of cancer does not always mean you are definitely going to get cancer. Yes, cancer can be caused by an abnormal gene that is inherited. However, the inherited gene does not always result in cancer.

There are some lifestyle changes that you can incorporate into your daily life to reduce the risk of developing cancer, including avoid smoking, eat healthily, and lead an active lifestyle.

Fact: Some studies suggest that complementary or alternative medicines, including certain herbs may help patients manage the adverse effects of cancer treatments. However, there are no herbal products that have been proven effective in curing cancer.

Cancer patients should always discuss with their doctors before consuming any complementary or alternative medicine products, including any vitamins and herbal supplements. These products may even be harmful if taken alongside chemotherapy or radiotherapy as they may impair the efficacy of these therapies.

Fact: It is extremely unlikely for cancer cells to spread to other parts of the body due to a surgery or biopsy. Surgeons employ unique techniques and take extra precautions as per standard procedures to prevent the spread of cancer cells during surgeries performed to remove tumours.

Fact: Cancer patients who receive external radiotherapy do not become radioactive, as the radiation does not remain in the body during or after treatment.

However, radiation from injections or implants used in internal radiotherapy may remain in your body for a few days. As a precaution, you may be required to stay in the hospital for a few days. Do follow your doctor’s advice regarding any safety measures that need to be taken following radiotherapy.

Fact: Currently, there are no solid scientific evidences associating one's "attitude" to their likelihood of developing or preventing cancer.

It is common to experience a range of emotions when you are diagnosed with cancer. In times like these, relaxation techniques and a great support system may promote positive thinking and improve a person's quality of life while coping with cancer.

Fact: Stress does not increase the risk of developing cancer. Studies that have tracked a large number of subjects over an extended period of time showed no indication that individuals who experience higher levels of stress have a higher risk of developing cancer.

Fact: The use of plastics does not increase the risk of cancer. According to studies, some chemicals in plastics such as bisphenol A (BPA) may end up in foods and beverages that are kept in plastic containers. However, the levels are extremely low and within the safe limit for humans.

Nonetheless, these tests involved either lab-grown human cells or animals, which do not resemble how most individuals would interact with plastic daily. There are insufficient evidence on the risk of cancer in humans due to plastics usage.

Fact: Acrylamide from burnt food is unlikely to raise the risk of cancer. Acrylamide is a chemical found in starch-filled foods such as bread and potatoes that go through prolonged cooking at at high temperatures. However, reliable studies are yet to prove that acrylamide from food causes cancer in humans.

Fact: Bruises, bumps, or other injuries on the body do not cause cancer. When treating a patient for an injury, doctors may occasionally discover a tumour but the injury itself does not cause cancer.

Fact: No evidence has shown that eating genetically modified foods leads to cancer in humans. The concern about GM foods that some individuals might have is that GM foods are unnatural and potentially harmful.

However, it is important to note that this process modifies the genetic makeup of the foods we consume, but it has no association with cancer. Due to the novelty of GM foods, ongoing research is underway to ensure there are no long-term health impacts of consuming genetically modified food.

Fact: Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame do not cause cancer. Some foods and beverages use artificial sweeteners instead of sugar. When consumed within the daily limits, artificial sweeteners are not harmful and these limits go beyond what most individuals would have in a single day. For example, the daily limit for aspartame would equate to 12 cans of diet soda.

Your overall diet (what you consume on a daily basis) is more significant than certain ingredients or foods to reduce your risk of developing cancer.