Key Cancer Facts

Key Cancer Facts!

1. 10 million people die from cancer every year.

2. At least one third of the common cancers are preventable.

3. Cancer is the second-leading cause of death worldwide.

4. 70% of cancer deaths occur in low-to-middle income countries.

5. Millions of lives could be saved each year by implementing resource appropriate strategies for prevention, early detection and treatment.

CANCER MYTHS AND FACTS

1. Cancer is a death sentence: Cancer is not a death sentence. Despite the sobering statistics quoted above, cancer is not always terminal.

As scientists understand cancer better and develop improved treatments, recovery rates continue to improve.

2. Cancer is contagious: This is a myth. Cancer is not contagious. Someone with cancer cannot spread it to others.

However, some sexually transmitted diseases, including human papillomavirus (HPV)Trusted Source and hepatitis B and C, can cause cancers in the cervix and the liver. In these cases, an infectious agent causes the cancer, but the cancer itself is not contagious.

3. Cell phones cause cancer: To date, there is no evidence that cell phones cause cancer. One of the reasons this myth developed is that these devices emit radiofrequency radiation (radio waves), a form of non-ionizing radiation. The body absorbs this radiation.

Scientists know that exposure to ionizing radiation, for instance, X-rays, increases the risk of cancer. However, radiofrequency radiation is non-ionizing radiation, which does not increase cancer risk.

4. Cancer runs in families: Although some cancers are passed on genetically through families, they are the minority of cases: an estimated 3–10% of cancers result from mutations inherited from parents.

5. There is no cure for cancer: Thankfully, this is also a myth. As medical science delves deeper into the mechanisms behind cancer, treatments steadily grow more effective.

6. Herbal medicines can cure cancer: There is no evidence that any herbal medicines can cure or treat cancer.

However, some people find certain alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, meditation, and yoga, helpTrusted Source with the psychological stress associated with cancer and some of the side effects of cancer treatment.

- Chioma Obieke