While the link between smoking and cancer risk is well known, myths about the subject still prevail. In this article, Perci’s Lead Cancer Nurse Specialist Rachel Rawson shares information about smoking and cancer we can trust, and dispels some common myths. Well many people think that lung cancer cannot be cured and it is a terminal disease.

Smoking is the leading cause of cancer worldwide: true

Another misconception is that nicotine is universally harmful to all individuals. While nicotine can have negative effects, especially for certain groups like pregnant women and adolescents, it may not pose significant health risks for adult busted: 7 myths about smoking and cancer users who do not smoke or use tobacco products. While a balanced diet is essential for overall health, it cannot cure cancer by itself. Some people believe that certain foods or supplements can replace medical treatment. Perci’s Cancer Nurse Specialists are trained in discussing cancer risk and can offer guidance and support around quitting smoking.

Medical myths: All about cancer

“Other smoking products are also considered to be a potential risk for lung cancer development,” Dr. Hirsch said. Every year, around 7,300 deaths from lung cancer among nonsmokers are from secondhand smoke, the CDC reports, and a further 2,900 are from radon exposure. Globally, in 2020, lung cancer was the second most common cancer after breast cancer, with 2.21 million cases.

Episode 6: Is Palliative Care Only for End-of-Life Patients?

• And while there is a lot of data out there to be read, it is important to keep in mind that not all online sources offer reliable information.
• The more we talk about lung cancer in a factual way, the more we can break down the stigma.
• Now, more than 8 in 10 children and young people in the UK (aged 0 to 24) do so.
• Radio waves produced by wifi are even weaker than those produced by mobile phones, and are well within the international guidelines that the UK adheres to.
• The good news is that for every year that a person does not smoke, their chance of relapsing decreases by 4%.

Actually second hand smoke is almost as dangerous as first hand smoking. Hence it is always preferred that a person brings down the risk factors that could increase the cancer problems. Prostate cancer is a disease in which cancer forms in the prostate, a gland located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum in males.

Misinformation is not supported by scientific research or evidence. It can lead to needless worry and affect our decisions when it comes to cancer prevention, and even cancer treatment. That being said, there are many cases of lung cancer that are seemingly unexplainable. Researchers are exploring genes that might explain rare families of people that develop lung cancer, and they will continue to explore the question of inherited risk. We’re trying to now find new genes that might explain these rare but unique families.

MYTH #4: “LIGHT” CIGARETTES ARE LESS HARMFUL

Leukemia, a type of blood cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, is one of the most well-known types of cancer. A cancer diagnosis can inspire many questions, one of the most common being, “How did I get this disease?” There are a host of different causes, and in many cases, researchers do not have a definitive answer. But is it possible for cancer to spread from person to person? We tackle these questions with the help of Ann S. LaCasce, MD, MMSc, director of the Dana-Farber/Partners Cancer Care Hematology-Medical Oncology Fellowship Program. Here, BCRF debunks 10 common breast cancer myths with science and research.

• Cancer is a formidable word that instils terror and dread in the minds of many.
• Dana-Farber’s Video Webchat Series features the latest in cancer news and information from top doctors and researchers as well as patients and caregivers.
• Yes, it’s true that the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified non-ionising radio frequency radiation (such as that used by mobile phones) as “possibly carcinogenic” (Group 2B).
• Despite being one of the most common cancers in the world, there are many misconceptions and myths about lung cancer.
• But both 4G and 5G networks transmit radio frequency radiation (radio waves), which is very weak (non-ionising).

Older people are at higher risk

To help you stay informed and motivated, let’s debunk 7 common myths about smoking and cancer, with facts backed by science. We have Dr. Ayush Tiwari, Executive Head of Thoracic Oncology Department at Ivory Hospital, Greater Noida. He told us that as lung cancer is chronic condition which occurs usually because of inhaling carcinogenic compounds present in the air. These compounds creates blockage in your lungs and tissue present inside become inflamed resulting in increase of cancer cells. It is mostly because of smoking or consumption of tobacco, however there are many indirect ways which could also lead you to lung cancer.

MYTH #3: JUST A FEW CIGARETTES A DAY CAN’T HURT

Lung cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the lungs grow uncontrollably, leading to a serious health condition that impacts breathing and overall lung function. Globally, lung cancer affects over 2 million people annually, making it one of the most common and deadly cancer types. Despite its prevalence, lung cancer is mired in several myths. One common misconception is that smoking is the sole cause of the disease. While smoking is a major risk factor, lung cancer can also occur in non-smokers due to other factors like genetics and long-term pollution exposure.

Some cigarette companies glorify smoking as a young man’s indulgence. But, this notion is wrong as smoking does not just kill you it also brings down the quality of your life. Your bones lose their density, your skin becomes worse, you could suffer from bad breath and erectile dysfunction might hit you earlier than expected.

There have been many myths around lung cancer which need to be resolved. The internet can be an extremely useful tool for people seeking information on specific healthcare topics like cancer. And while there is a lot of data out there to be read, it is important to keep in mind that not all online sources offer reliable information. We’ve come a long way when it comes to understanding cancer–yet many myths and misconceptions continue to leave people confused and searching for answers.

Discoveries, workshops, stories of hope and triumph can be found in the pages of Dana-Farber’s free digital newsletters and publications.