4 Myths around Cancer that need to be busted right now to clear the air

HealthcaretripIndia
Nov 2 · 4 min read

Myths are meant to be talked about and clarified in order for you to shed all your unnecessary worries.

Internet is flooded with all sorts of information and it is acting as a double edged sword.

Let us address cancer related myths one by one.

Myth #1. Anti Perspirants and Deodorants can lead to Breast Cancer

Role of Deodorants in causing Breast Cancer

Fact

There have been suggestions from few scientists regarding the association between some ingredients found in deodorants and anti perspirants that are applied in the underarms and occurrence of breast cancer.

However, there is no conclusive scientific study supporting this claim.

Aluminium based compounds form an active ingredient of deodorants which when absorbed, have estrogen like effects.

Since, estrogen can promote breast cancer cells growth, and therefore such link between the deodorants containing aluminium compunds and occurence of breast cancer has been put forward by some scientists.

Also, direct effect of aluminium compounds on the breast tissue has also been suggested.

Till date, there has been no study that concludes and confirm the adverse effects of aluminium compounds present in deodorants on contributing to occurence of breast cancer.

Another set of compounds that have come into scrutiny are parabens, that are also demonstrated to have an estrogen like effect. These are the preservatives used in some deodorants or anti perspirants.

It is reported that they are present in breast tumors , however, they do not cause breast cancers, as is clearly confirmed in scientific studies. There is lack of evidence to prove its association with the breast cancer.

Currently, most of the products do not use parabens.

Myth #2. Artificial Sweeteners can lead to Cancer

Role of Artificial Sweeteners in causing Cancer

Fact

There is no definite study that proves a link between the use of artificial sweeteners and cancer.

Artificial sweeteners are sugar substitutes which are taken in very small quantities in place of sucrose or commonly called Table Sugar. They are many times more potent than the normal sugar to deliver the same sweetness.

Why this thought even emerge in the first place?

Initial few studies showed association of usage of some artificial sweeteners such as cyclamate and saccharin and bladder cancer in laboratory animals, however, no such evidence is found in humans.

However, until proven, it would be wise to avoid them.

Myth #3. Microwaving food in Plastic Containers and Wraps may cause Cancer

Microwaving food in plastic containers and its link to cancer

Fact

FDA approved “Microwave safe” labeled containers are absolutely safe to use in microwave and there has not been any scientific study that has proved otherwise.

It is a general belief or apprehension in the public that food cooked in a plastic container in microwave, contains chemicals which release from the plastic when heated in microwave and get absorbed into the food. These chemicals are harmful for us to a great extent.

However, the fact is, the plastic which burns and melts releases chemicals such as Dioxins, which are potentially cancer causing. Plastic does not contain Dioxins, they form it only when they melt or burn. These chemical get leeched into the food.

What can you do?

Use microwave safe plastic containers that do not melt or burn and make sure that you do not burn food inside microwave.

Use glass or ceramic containers instead that are safe to be used in the microwave , to eliminate your concern entirely.

Any container that is old, broken, scratched should be thrown away with immediate effect to avoid possible leaking of chemicals into food.

Myth #4 Cancer Patients must not eat sugar as it may cause Cancer to grow rapidly

Sugar and its link with Cancer

Fact

We all must keep a tab on our sugar intake for obvious reasons. However, its role in causing cancer or causing cancer to grow at a fast pace is not backed up by any convincing scientific evidence.

Sugar feeds our body cells, including the cancer cells. That’s true.

It is not the sugar per se, which is responsible for cancer, it is the resulting obesity that may make one susceptible to develop certain diseases and some cancers.

So, now the question arises, if we stop taking sugar altogether.

Not exactly.

Keep it in moderation!

According to American Heart Association, men and women have different requirements, for women 6 teaspoons equivalent to 25 gms or 100 calories per day is okay.

For men the safe amount is 9 teaspoons or 35 grams or 150 calories per day.

Always keep in mind that sugar has no nutritional value. They have empty calories.

Better to go for natural sources such as honey or jaggery which do get you some nutrition besides pacifying your craving for something sweet. However, you still have to stick to the allowed calories.

HealthcaretripIndia

Written by

HealthcaretripIndia is a medical tourism company based in India. It helps international patients from all over the world,get high quality affordable treatment.

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