Discovery Health :: Top 10 Cancer Myths

Cancer Myths

Misinformation is infectious. And when it comes to the causes of cancer, there is no exception. From cell phones to grilled meats to bug spray, the myths surrounding the causes of the disease seem to be everywhere. These myths are enough to drive anyone to the brink of paranoia. So what's real and what's myth?

The Discovery Health Channel and Prevention Magazine, in conjunction with the American Cancer Society, polled 1,000 adults to uncover the most common myths surrounding cancer. We've taken the 10 most popular misconceptions and asked Dr. Ted Gansler, director of medical content at the American Cancer Society, to lay out the facts. Find out where they originated and if there is any truth behind them.

Cancer Myth 10
What someone does as a young adult has little impact on their chances of getting cancer later in life.

Cancer Myth 9
There is currently a cure for cancer, but the medical industry won't tell the public about it because they make too much money treating cancer patients.

Cancer Myth 8
Electronic devices, like cell phones, can cause cancer in the people who use them.

Cancer Myth 7
Some injuries can cause cancer later in life.

Cancer Myth 6
Living in a polluted city is a greater risk for lung cancer than smoking a pack of cigarettes a day.

Cancer Myth 5
Treating cancer with surgery causes it to spread throughout the body.

Cancer Myth 4
Household bug spray can cause cancer.

Cancer Myth 3
You can prevent skin cancer by putting on one application of sunscreen at the start of each day.

Cancer Myth 2
Regularly eating meat cooked on a charcoal grill won't increase cancer risk.

Cancer Myth 1
The risk of dying from cancer in the United States is increasing.

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