We know that there are couple factors which can cause cancer, but unfortunately some people are taking them exaggeratedly and later cause several myths about the causes of this disease. Some of these myths even make some people overly worried about their own health or those who live around them.
To avoid the panic caused by those myths, here are some explanations related to them as revealed in MayoClinic.com, by a cancer specialist of Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Timothy Moynihan, MD.
Deodorants or antiperspirant products can cause breast cancer
Although such products contain harmful substances like parabens and aluminum compounds that can be absorbed through the skin or enter the body through shaving nicks, there is no clinical study yet which proves whether these products can cause breast cancer or not. So, these kinds of statements are actually myths.
However, if you are still worried about using such products and yet concerned about your body odors, you better opt for products that contain no worrying chemical.
Microwaving plastic containers and wraps release harmful and cancer-causing substances into the food they kept
Plastic containers and wraps which are microwave-safe can be safely used in the microwave. But of course, the regular plastic containers which are not intended for microwave use could possibly melt and potentially leak chemical compounds into your food. So before putting the plastic containers inside your microwave, you better check whether it is labeled ‘microwave-safe’ or not.
People with cancer shouldn’t consume sugary foods, since it can make the cancer grow faster.
Although all cells, including cancer cells, depend on blood sugar (glucose) for energy, it doesn’t make those cells grow faster. So even though you cut your sugar intake, it won’t slow the growth of those cancer cells either.
Good people don’t get cancer
We realized that in ancient times there was a belief that certain diseases are the punishment for being bad or having bad thoughts. So what about the newborns or kids at young age who have cancer, are such punishments applied to them as well? Therefore, you should agree that those beliefs are truly myths.
Cancer is contagious
There is no way for cancer to be contagious. The only trigger that could pass diseases which can lead to the development of cancer is virus. Viruses like Human papillomavirus (HPV) and Hepatitis C can be transmitted through sexual intercourse or the use of infected IV needles. HPV can later cause cervical and other forms of cancer, while Hepatitis C can cause liver cancer. So other than avoiding people who have cancer, better you talk to your doctor about ways to protect yourself from those viruses.
Related Cancer Health:
Facts About Human Papillomavirus
HPV might not a popular acronym compared to HIV, but Human Papillomavirus can bring as much threat as the latter.