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Common Cancer Myths and Misconceptions

Certain popular ideas about how [cancer] starts and spreads—though scientifically wrong—can seem to make sense, especially when those ideas are rooted in old theories. But wrong ideas about cancer can lead to needless worry and even hinder good prevention and treatment decisions. This page provides the latest science-based information about some common cancer myths and misconceptions.
This was last updated on [July 24, 2024], by the [National Cancer Institue].

Is cancer a death sentence?

In the [United States], the likelihood of dying from cancer has dropped steadily since the [1990s]. Five-year survival rates for some cancers, such as [breast cancer|breast], [prostate cancer|prostate], and [thyroid cancer|thyroid cancers], now are 90 percent or better. The 5-year survival rate for all cancers combined is currently about 69 percent. For more information, see the [Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer].

It is important to note, however, that these rates are based on data from large numbers of people. How long an individual cancer patient will live and whether he or she will die from the disease depend on many factors, including whether the cancer is slow or fast growing, how much the cancer has spread in the body, whether effective treatments are available, the person’s overall health, and more.

Will eating sugar make my cancer worse?

No. Although research has shown that cancer cells consume more sugar ([glucose]) than normal cells, no studies have shown that eating sugar will make your cancer worse or that, if you stop eating sugar, your cancer will shrink or disappear. However, a [high-sugar diet] may contribute to excess weight gain, and [obesity] is associated with an increased risk of developing several types of cancer. For more information, see the [NCI] fact sheet on [Obesity and Cancer].

Is cancer contagious?

In general, no. Cancer is not a [contagious disease] that easily spreads from person to person. The only situation in which cancer can spread from one person to another is in the case of organ or tissue [transplantation]. A person who receives an organ or tissue from a donor who had cancer in the past may be at increased risk of developing a [transplant-related cancer] in the future. However, that risk is extremely low—about two cases of cancer per 10,000 organ transplants. Doctors avoid the use of organs or tissue from donors who have a history of cancer.

In some people, cancers may be caused by certain viruses (some types of [human papillomavirus], or [HPV], for example) and bacteria (such as [Helicobacter pylori]). While a virus or bacterium can spread from person to person, the cancers they sometimes cause cannot spread from person to person. For more information about cancer-causing viruses and bacteria, see the NCI fact sheet on [Helicobacter pylori and Cancer] and our pages on [HPV and Cancer] and [Infectious Agents].

Does my attitude—positive or negative—determine my risk of getting or surviving cancer?

[January 11, 2025|To date], there is no convincing [scientific evidence] that links a person’s “[attitude]” to their risk of developing or dying from cancer. If you have cancer, it’s normal to feel [sad], [angry], or [discouraged] sometimes and [positive] or [upbeat] at other times. People with a [positive attitude] may be more likely to maintain social connections and stay active, and [physical activity] and [emotional support] may help you cope with your cancer. For more information, see the NCI fact sheet on [Stress and Cancer].

Can cancer surgery or a tumor biopsy cause cancer to spread in the body?

The chance that [surgery] will cause cancer to spread to other parts of the body is extremely low. Following standard procedures, surgeons use special methods and take many steps to prevent cancer cells from spreading during [biopsy|biopsies] or surgery to remove [tumor|tumors]. For example, if they must remove [tissue] from more than one area of the body, they use different surgical tools for each area. For information about how cancer spreads in the body, see our page on [Metastatic Cancer].

Will cancer get worse if exposed to air?

No. Exposure to [air] will not make tumors grow faster or cause cancer to spread to other parts of the body. For information about how cancer spreads in the body, see our page on [Metastatic Cancer].

Do cell phones cause cancer?

No, not according to the best studies completed so far. [Cancer is caused by genetic mutations], and [cell phone|cell phones] emit a type of [low-frequency] energy that does not damage [gene|genes]. For more information, see the NCI fact sheet on [Cell Phones and Cancer Risk].

Do power lines cause cancer?

No, not according to the best studies completed so far. [Power line|Power lines] emit both [electric] and [magnetic] energy. The [electric energy] emitted by power lines is easily shielded or weakened by walls and other objects. The [magnetic energy] emitted by power lines is a low-frequency form of [radiation] that does not damage genes. For more information, see the NCI fact sheet on [Electromagnetic Fields and Cancer].

Are there herbal products that can cure cancer?

No. Although some studies suggest that [alternative medicine|alternative] or [complementary medicine|complementary therapies], including some [herbs], may help patients cope with the [side effects of cancer treatment], no [herbal product|herbal products] have been shown to be effective for treating cancer. Some herbal products may be harmful when taken during [chemotherapy] or [radiation therapy] because they may interfere with how these treatments work. Cancer patients should talk with their doctor about any [complementary and alternative medicine] products—including [vitamins] and [herbal supplement|herbal supplements]—they may be using. For more information, see [Complementary and Alternative Medicine].

If someone in my family has cancer, am I likely to get cancer, too?

Not necessarily. Cancer is caused by harmful changes ([mutations]) in genes. Only about 5 to 10 percent of cancers are caused by harmful mutations that are [inherited] from a person’s parents. In families with an [inherited cancer-causing mutation], multiple family members will often develop the same type of cancer. These cancers are called “[familial]” or “[hereditary]” cancers.

The remaining 90 to 95 percent of cancers are caused by mutations that happen during a person’s lifetime as a natural result of [aging] and [exposure to environmental factors], such as [tobacco smoke] and [electromagnetic radiation|radiation]. These cancers are called “[non-hereditary]” or “[spontaneous]” cancers. For more information about the risk of getting cancer, see the NCI fact sheets on [Genetic Testing for Inherited Cancer Risk] and [Cancer Causes and Risk Factors].

If no one in my family has had cancer, does that mean I’m risk-free?

No. Based on the most recent data, about 39 percent of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lives. Most cancers are caused by genetic changes that occur throughout a person’s lifetime as a natural result of aging and exposure to environmental factors, such as tobacco smoke and radiation. Other factors, such as what kind of food you eat, how much you eat, and whether you [exercise], may also influence your [risk of developing cancer]. For more information, see [Cancer Causes and Risk Factors].

Do antiperspirants or deodorants cause breast cancer?

No. The best studies so far have found no evidence linking the [chemicals] typically found in [antiperspirant|antiperspirants] and [deodorant|deodorants] with changes in [breast tissue]. For more information, see the NCI fact sheet on [Antiperspirants/Deodorants and Breast Cancer].

Common Cancer Myths and Misconceptions was originally published by the National Cancer Institute.
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/myths

Common Cancer Myths and Misconceptions (essay)