Common Misconceptions About Cancer

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and in our country. In fact, in 91 out of 172 countries globally, it ranks as the most frequent or second most frequent cause of death in people under 70 years of age. In 2018, 18.1 million people worldwide were diagnosed with cancer and 9.6 million people died from cancer-related causes. The encouraging news is that thanks to personalized treatment and immunotherapy, cancer types that were previously considered untreatable can now achieve near-cure survival periods. These drugs serve as either alternative or adjuvant options to chemotherapy drugs, creating new treatment options for patients. Moreover, they achieve this while maintaining quality of life and not compromising living comfort. However, among peers, particularly on social media, groundless information frequently appears that misleads cancer patients, further increasing their psychological problems. "Worse still, this misinformation or commentary can lead patients to delay consulting their physicians, neglect their follow-ups, or reject recommended treatments," warns Prof. Dr. Yeşim Eralp, Medical Oncologist at Acıbadem Maslak Hospital, adding, "This can result in cancer being diagnosed late and therefore being more difficult to treat, or cancer progressing because it goes untreated." Prof. Dr. Yeşim Eralp, Medical Oncologist at Acıbadem Maslak Hospital, explained 10 commonly believed pieces of misinformation about cancer and offered important recommendations and warnings.

Myth: Cancer is contagious

Truth: While the development of some cancers can be associated with microbial or viral infections, cancer is not transmitted through contact or respiratory means.

Myth: There is no cancer in my family; I won't have it either

Truth: In 85 percent of cancer cases, there is no family history of cancer. Moreover, if parents died at an early age in the family, the cancer history may be unknown. Therefore, the absence of a cancer history in your family does not mean you won't develop it either.

Myth: If there is no pain, it is not cancer

Truth: "Contrary to popular belief, not every cancer causes pain," warns Medical Oncologist Prof. Dr. Yeşim Eralp, adding, "Pain may be felt depending on where the tumor is located. However, pain is not the only sign of cancer. Additionally, not every painful tumor is malignant."

Myth: Taking a biopsy from a tumor causes cancer to spread; "it invites the knife"

Truth: A biopsy means taking a sample from cancerous tissue. The sample taken is examined by a pathologist to determine the type of cancer. A biopsy must be performed to determine the correct treatment. When done properly and carefully, cancer does not spread.

Myth: Sadness causes cancer

Truth: "There is no scientific evidence pointing to stress or anxiety causing cancer," says Medical Oncologist Prof. Dr. Yeşim Eralp. However, she warns that serious sadness and trauma can negatively affect the immune system, and if there is an undetected cancer in the body, the tumor may grow faster.

Myth: Sugar feeds cancer

Truth: Medical Oncologist Prof. Dr. Yeşim Eralp states that there is no scientific evidence that sugar promotes the growth of cancer tissue, continuing as follows: "Similarly, completely eliminating sugar does not shrink cancer. However, the insulin produced in the body in response to high sugar can be a growth factor for some cancers. Additionally, sugar can lead to weight gain, and obesity-related cancers such as uterine, breast, and pancreatic cancer can develop more rapidly."

Myth: Mammography is harmful; don't have it done

Truth: Mammography screening detects breast cancer in earlier stages and reduces the risk of death from breast cancer. Moreover, mammograms performed with modern equipment contain less radiation than older ones. With one mammogram, we receive 2 months' worth of the radiation we naturally receive from the environment daily. Therefore, since it is repeated once a year for screening purposes, there is no need to worry.

Myth: Fish should not be given to chemotherapy patients

Truth: There is no serious scientific evidence that fish consumption increases any cancer type or weakens treatment efficacy. Only some experimental studies show data suggesting that high omega-3 consumption may negatively affect cancer treatment. For this reason, Prof. Dr. Yeşim Eralp states that salmon, tuna, and mackerel, which are rich in omega-3, should not be consumed on chemotherapy days and for 2 days following treatment, adding, "Additionally, consumption of bottom-dwelling fish such as flounder, turbot, redfish, haddock, and sargo, and shellfish such as mussels should be limited due to heavy metals they may contain. There is no problem with consuming other fish."

Myth: Cancer does not kill; chemotherapy does

Truth: Medical Oncologist Prof. Dr. Yeşim Eralp emphasizes that chemotherapy is a very important treatment method that can eliminate cancerous tissue and prevent the disease from spreading in the blood, stating, "Moreover, chemotherapy administered at appropriate doses and intervals also strengthens immunity against cancer. If chemotherapy is not used when necessary, cancer can progress and metastasize. As long as we manage and correct side effects promptly and with proper methods, we can prevent chemotherapy from harming the body. In this way, we achieve the benefits we target from chemotherapy and achieve a cure."

Myth: Vitamins and turmeric taken during chemotherapy boost immunity and prevent side effects

Truth: Medical Oncologist Prof. Dr. Yeşim Eralp warns that vitamins containing antioxidants and herbal substances can reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy. In a recent scientific study, it was shown that people who took additional nutrients such as vitamins A, C, E, B12, and Coenzyme-Q10 during chemotherapy administered after breast cancer surgery had higher disease recurrence rates. Turmeric in oral forms has not been shown to have effectiveness against cancer. The effect of vitamins has not been demonstrated either during treatment or as a preventive measure. Additionally, in individuals who smoke, vitamin A may increase the risk of lung cancer.