5 common myths about cancer

Cancer. It’s a word that can be so fraught with fear, sadness or anger that it’s understandable there are misconceptions around it—and why no one wants to talk about it. Here at the Prevent Cancer Foundation, we want to shatter the taboo so you have the information you need. Let’s look at five cancer myths and talk about the truth.

MYTH #1: Cancer is a death sentence.

If someone you know gets diagnosed with cancer, don’t immediately assume the worst. A person’s prognosis depends on the type of cancer, the stage it’s diagnosed at and their overall health, among other factors. One thing we know for sure: Early Detection = Better Outcomes. Early detection of cancer through routine screenings can mean there are more treatment options, more healthy days ahead and more time with the people you love. Learn which screenings you need and book your appointments today.

The cancer experience is different for everyone. That’s why we’re working to take the power from cancer and give it to the people, so we can live in a world where cancer is preventable, detectable and beatable for all.

MYTH #2: Cancer is an old person’s disease.

While your cancer risk increases as you age, it’s possible to develop cancer when you’re younger. A recent report from the American Cancer Society shows younger and middle-aged adults—particularly women—are being diagnosed with cancer more frequently. That’s why some routine cancer screenings are recommended beginning in your 20s. You can find the screenings you need here. If you’re younger than the age of eligibility for a screening, it’s important to be aware of signs and symptoms and know your body’s “normal.” You know your body best—so don’t be afraid to advocate for your health!

MYTH #3: If I feel healthy, I don’t need to think about cancer.

Many people don’t experience signs or symptoms of cancer until it’s in advanced stages. While some people don’t think they have to go to the doctor if nothing feels wrong, finding cancer early—or having the opportunity to prevent it—is the best-case scenario. You don’t need to wait for symptoms to check your health through routine cancer screenings. While uncertainty can be scary, getting screened for cancer (even when you feel fine!) can lead to better health outcomes.

MYTH #4: Family history is the most important risk factor.

Only 5%-10% of cancer cases are caused by hereditary gene mutations. Most people who get cancer do not have a family history of the disease, which is one reason routine screening is so important—but a personal or family history of cancer or certain other diseases may increase your risk.

To help determine your risk, complete a family history chart and share it with your health care provider and other family members. This information can help you and your provider decide which cancer screenings you need, when to begin screening and how often you should be screened.

One option you may consider is genetic testing. Predictive genetic testing is performed to look for specific changes, called mutations, in a person’s genes that can make them more likely than the average person to develop cancer. Depending on the mutation, there are some interventions that could prevent the development of cancer in the future. If you test negative for known cancer-causing mutations, it’s important to still prioritize your routine cancer screenings, just like others in the general population.

If you are adopted or estranged from your family, you may have limited or no knowledge of your family history. Talk to your genetic counselor or health care provider about any family health history you are aware of and your race/ethnicity to see if genetic testing makes sense for you. You should also always inform your health care provider if you are adopted.

MYTH #5: You’ll always know exactly what caused your cancer diagnosis.

While there are some factors that can put you at an increased risk of cancer, we can’t always point to what causes a cancer diagnosis. In some cases, you may know that cancer was caused by a certain virus, but many times you just can’t know why you got cancer.

Though you can’t control every possible risk factor, it’s important to manage the things you can control, such as getting enough physical activity, eating well and getting your routine cancer screenings. If you do receive a cancer diagnosis, there is no reason to feel guilty over what you could have done better or how you could have been healthier—someone who does everything they can to have a healthy lifestyle can still get cancer, and no one, regardless of lifestyle choices, deserves it.

By taking on the misconceptions, we hope to alleviate some of the uncertainty associated with cancer. Don’t avoid the doctor or withhold your concerns from your health care team. Instead, arm yourself with knowledge and get empowered to stay ahead of cancer.

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