9 Things You Believe Cause Cancer, And Why They Don’t

Cancer

continues to be one of the most prevalent and deadliest diseases across the world, which can strike at any age. While doctors keep issuing various warnings and advice about causes, many times it becomes difficult to distinguish fact from fiction due to the overload of information on social media. Many social behaviours, environmental exposures, and genetic factors have been confirmed to increase cancer risk; however, it is important to know that many commonly cited triggers are misconceptions and just myths. Taking those risks seriously not only causes unnecessary anxiety but can also hamper your understanding of a condition as serious as cancer. Here are a few myths you thought were true, but aren’t:

Microwaves cause cancer

According to doctors, plastic food containers that are manufactured now do not wrap or release cancer-causing chemicals into food when reheating in a microwave. The containers that are regulated by the FDA are mostly marked free of DEHA, dioxins, and other harmful, cancer-causing chemicals.

Mobile phones

It is a broadly spread idea that too much exposure to mobile phones causes cancer, especially among youngsters. However, oncologists say the number of people diagnosed with malignant brain tumours every year is the same today as before 2001, when cell phones were less ordinary, leaving experts convinced that phones do not cause brain tumours or cancer.

Artificial sweeteners

It is popularly believed that artificial sweeteners lead to bladder cancer and other health issues. However, extensive studies conducted by the National Cancer Institute have revealed there is no evidence that links artificial sweeteners to cancer. Even though consuming these for a long time can affect your metabolic health, they do not increase the risk of cancer.

X-ray and mammograms

Both X-rays and mammograms do release radiation, but according to experts, it is not high enough to cause cancer. The dose of radiation in a single X-ray is less than the average amount of background radiation that you may get in offices in nearly a month, according to the American Cancer Society and NCI.

Hair colour and styling products

Hair colours and other products that are packed with foaming agents like sodium laureth sulfate have been studied for a long time by experts. Research says that there is some level of risk for breast cancer in certain populations, but overall, there has never been any consistent evidence that hair products and chemicals in them lead to cancer.

Underwire bras

No, wearing underwire bras does not cause breast cancer, and this has been debunked by numerous studies. The myth likely originated from the idea that bras restrict lymph flow, leading to toxin buildup, but there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Experts agree that factors like genetics, lifestyle, and hormonal therapies are linked to breast cancer risk, not the type or tightness of bras.

Deodorants and antiperspirants

No, there is no conclusive scientific evidence that deodorants or antiperspirants cause cancer. Major health organizations, including the NCI, the ACS, and the FDA, have found no strong link between the use of these products and an increased risk of breast cancer or any other type of cancer.

Artificial food colours

Many treats and sweets like candy canes are packed with titanium dioxide for white stripes and Red 40 for red stripes. These food additives are strictly regulated by the FDA and pose no cancer risk in the amounts typically consumed.

Only smokers get lung cancer

It is a commonly believed myth that a person who has never smoked will never get lung cancer. However, even though smoking is the primary cause, lung cancer can also be caused by exposure to second-hand smoke, air pollution, or genetic factors.