The Truth Behind Cancer Myths

Every day, we read or hear about something we eat or do that can cause or prevent cancer. Often, what we hear one day will be the exact opposite of what we hear the next day. Dr. Joseph Imperato, medical director of radiation oncology at Lake Forest Hospital, sets the record straight on some of what has been said to cause cancer or help prevent it.

Antiperspirants

"One of the most common myths is that antiperspirants cause breast cancer," Imperato said. Proponents of this myth say when we use aluminum-based antiperspirants under our arms, our bodies absorb this aluminum, which goes into the lymph nodes and blocks them. These blocked lymph nodes, they believe, cannot effectively remove toxins, and breast cancer subsequently develops.

"In reality, when pathologists examine lymph nodes of patients with breast cancer, they never actually find a build-up of aluminum in the lymph nodes of the breast," said Imperato. "There is no truth to this myth."

Artificial sweeteners

Aspartame (aka Nutrasweet and Equal), approved in 1981 by the FDA, has also been a frequent target of cancer myths. Vocal groups have claimed aspartame is linked to increased incidence of brain and central nervous system cancers. Studies conducted to evaluate the truth of this claim found that the increased incidence of brain and nervous system cancers actually began to rise in 1973, eight years before aspartame went on the market.

EMFs

Electro-magnetic fields are emitted by devices that produce, use or transmit electric power, such as power lines and household electronics like microwaves, televisions and electric blankets. Over the past 15 years, several studies have evaluated the effect of residential exposure to EMFs and its relationship to an increased risk of cancer.

Most findings have been inconclusive, but the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences recommends increasing the space between people and devices that emit EMFs, as well as discouraging children from playing near power lines.

With the widespread use of cellular phones, people have also become concerned about the effect of EMFs so close to the brain. Studies have been conducted, but it's difficult to draw conclusions because cell phones have only been around for a short time, and because technology changes so quickly.

While no study has conclusively proven that cell phones cause brain tumors, the FDA has suggested that those concerned should reserve cell phones for shorter conversations and switch to hand-free devices that place more distance between the antenna and the phone user.

Stress

Myths about stress causing cancer are particularly disturbing in that they blame the victim. The myth insinuates that our responses to day-to-day life stressors cause cancer. While major stressors may have an impact on the immune system, Imperato said responses to day-to-day stressors do not cause cancer. "In fact, since primitive times, man has always dealt with day-to-day stressors," he said.

Yoga or meditative activities have been touted to prevent or cure cancer. Imperato noted that while yoga and meditative activities do not prevent or cure cancer, activities that strengthen the mind-body connection do help people come to terms with their situation and may help them to maintain a positive outlook.

While it is not possible to achieve zero risk of cancer, actions that consistently prove to have some protection against cancer include eating a healthy diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables and exercising. And don't smoke, because even small amounts of cigarette smoke have been linked to cancer.