You Can 'Catch' Cancer
You Can 'Catch' Cancer
You Can 'Catch' Cancer
More than half of men and 30 percent of women believe you can catch cancer from someone with the disease, according to a survey commissioned by charity Cancer Research UK. But you can't catch it like a cold, because it's not transferred via droplets in the air. However, it is possible to pick up a virus that may lead to it. For example, the Epstein-Barr virus is thought to be linked to Hodgkin's lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system) and other cancers. And the human papillomavirus causes nearly all cases of cervical cancer. Also, liver cancer is 100 times more likely in people with a chronic hepatitis B infection.
Most Heavy Smokers Will Die Of Lung Cancer
According to the British Lung Foundation, not everyone who smokes will get lung cancer. But 50 per cent of persistent smokers will eventually die from their habit, probably due to a stroke, heart attack or respiratory disease. On top of that, around 90 per cent of lung cancers are linked to smoking as are one-third of all cancers.
Only Women Get Breast Cancer
Not true! Men get it, too, although it affects only 300 a year in the UK, compared with more than 39,000 cases in women, says Cancer Research UK. Most male sufferers are over 60 and have a family history of the disease.
Electricity Pylons Cause Childhood Leukaemia
There has been lots of research into this area in the past 20 years. A study from the University of Cambridge found no evidence that magnetic fields from electricity pylons or household appliances cause childhood cancers such as leukaemia. The scientists looked at 4,000 children with leukaemia and found they'd had the same exposure to magnetic fields as healthy children.
Stress Causes Cancer
One in three people thinks a divorce or bereavement can cause cancer, says a survey by Cancer Research UK. But according to expert there's no evidence to show that a mental or emotional state can be a trigger. "Some people think the immune system, which can be depleted by stress, plays an important role in keeping cancer at bay but most significant studies have shown that lifestyle, genes and environmental factors count the most.
The Pill Causes Breast Cancer
A study in 'The Lancet' in 1996, found that the combined pill, which contains the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, slightly increases your risk of breast cancer while you're taking it. However, this extra risk disappears 10 years after stopping. Breast cancer is still relatively rare in Pill users, and on the plus side, studies have shown that women taking the Pill for at least three years have a lower risk of ovarian cancer.
An Abnormal Smear Means You Have Cervical Cancer
Very few of the300,000 abnormal smearstaken each year in the UK, turn out to be cancer. An abnormal smear means there are some abnormal cells, butthey're not always cancer cells. Women whose smears show minor abnormalities, are asked to return for a repeat smear in six to 12 months. Most will have returned to normal. If changes persist, or are more severe, treatment nearly always gets rid of these cells before they can become cancerous
Mobile Phones Cause Brain Tumours
Most studies have shown no link between mobile phones and brain cancer but it can't be completely ruled out. Mobile phone use is associated with a two-and-a-half-fold increased risk of brain tumours. However, the evidence is not conclusive. The government says that while there's no direct evidence of a health risk from using mobiles, more research is needed to prove their safety and it is currently reviewing all research on mobile phones. It has also recommended discouraging children aged under 16 from using mobile phones, except in emergencies. If you're still worried, don't spend long periods of time on the phone, and choose a phone with a low specific absorption rate.
Sun Cream Prevents Skin Cancer
Sun creams can help protect you from burning if you use them properly, but they won't necessarily prevent skin cancer, so you should also limit your exposure to the sun. In fact, in 1998, a study from the European Institute of Oncology found that children wearing sun cream were more likely to stay in the sun longer, increasing their cancer risk. The Department of Health advises using a sun cream of at least SPF 15, staying out of the sun during the hottest periods of the day and wearing protective clothing.
A Breast Lump Is A Sign Of Cancer
Nine out of 10 breast lumps are benign (non-cancerous), according to Dr Eleanor Clarke of the Breast Care Campaign. "Young women are particularly susceptible to the formation of fibroadenomas nodules of fibrous tissue, which once diagnosed can be left alone while cysts are more common in older women," she says. If you find a lump in your breast, see your GP and ask to be referred to a breast clinic.
Cancer Always Kills
Many people think cancer is always a terminal illness, but a lot of cancers have good survival rates and many patients can be cured. Figures from Cancer Research UK reveal that the five-year survival rate is 74 per cent for breast cancer, 80 per cent for malignant melanoma, 65 per cent for cervical cancer and 40 per cent for bowel cancer. The earlier cancer is detected, the better.
Men Are More Likely To Set Cancer Than Women
This is partly accounted for by the higher life expectancy of women, and by the increased incidence of heart disease in men. The main cancers causing death in men are lung, prostate, colon and bladder. Prostate cancer looks set to overtake lung cancer as the most common form in men by 2006. In women, the main killers are lung, breast, colon and ovarian cancers.
Meat Eaters Are More Likely To Set Cancer
The American Cancer Society says vegetarians are just as likely to die of bowel cancer as meat eaters. They are also equally likely to get breast, prostate, lung or stomach cancers. It's eating a balanced diet, with at least five portions of fruit andvegetables a day whether you're a meat-eater, vegetarian or vegan that cuts your risk of cancer.
Asbestos Is A Common Cause Of Lung Cancer
Only 10 per cent of cases of lung cancer are caused by factors such as asbestos. Other contributors include poor diet, genetic factors and exposure to radon gas a radioactive gas found in soil, which only becomes a health hazard when it enters a home in high levels through gaps or cracks in the foundations or pipes. To check your levels, ask for a test from the environmental department of your state. In fact, according to the British Lung Foundation, 90 per cent of people newly diagnosed with lung cancer are either smokers or former smokers.
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