Common Myths

Cell phones can cause cancer

Contrary to any belief about this, there is no study that shows that cell phones can cause cancer.

Just because a family member had/has cancer, does that mean that I will get cancer

This is totally untrue. There are some cancers that are genetic yes, but that does not mean that you will develop cancer. Of course your chance for developing cancer might be great if a family member had cancer because it is hereditary, but that doesn't mean you will definitely get it.

Cancer causes hair loss

Cancer does not cause hair loss. However, there are cancer treatments like chemotherapy that do.

Some cancers are contagious

This is completely false. However, there are viruses that are contagious that can cause cancer like Hepatitis C and the HPV virus.

Only women can develop breast cancer

It is uncommon in males, but they do get it.

Cancer always causes pain

Not always, but there are cancers that do cause pain. However, doctors have worked to control those cancers that do cause pain. Many new pain medications are being developed that help those with pain cope.

Past injuries can cause cancer later in life

This is totally untrue

Treating cancer causes it to spread through the body

Also false

There is currently a cure for cancers

This is false. There are many different types of cancers, and they all have different symptoms and effects.