About Cancer

There are many known facts and a great deal of fiction about what causes cancer- and most people will know a little of both, most families have experienced cancer near at hand so its not surprising that people have gathered information along the way, picked up from word of mouth, the television and magazines, unfortunately, not all information passes around is entirely accurate and the myths that circulate can result in people believing wrongly about the causes and control of the disease. Well in this article I'm going to give you some real facts about cancer so you can be certain and not listen to all the myths going around.

This may cause people to suffer unnecessary guilt and anxiety about whether or not they caused their own cancer and about how the course of the illness will run, for example, it is commonly supposed that having cancer implies a lingering and painful death, which is not true.

Understanding the facts about cancer

Cancer is not one but different diseases with different causes: for example, chemicals in tobacco smoke cause lung cancer but these do not cause breast cancer.

Cancers are caused by substances known as carcinogens: materials that are found commonly in the environment to which our bodies are exposed, over a period of time. Two centuries ago a man named Percival Potts linked the development of cancer of the scrotum to chimney sweeps but it was not until the twentieth century that scientists found a carcinogen in soot.

Studies by scientists over the years have shown that certain groups of people are more prone to some kinds of cancers than other people, genetics (family history) and environmental issues both play a part in this disease pattern.

Cancer rates differ in countries around the world, by comparing Japanese people with people in the UK it is known that the Japanese death rate for stomach cancer is double that of people in England and Wales, whist the death rate for breast cancer is very much higher in the UK

There is sufficient, proven evidence available to accurately pinpoint the cause of some cancers deriving from what people eat, their behaviour, how they live and the relationship with their work, for example, asbestos is known work-related carcinogen.

Unfortunately people seem to remember the fiction rather than the fact and this can increase their anxiety. If you are unclear, ask the medical team to repeat the information.

Myths of cancer

Cancer always means a premature death, Correction: No, a diagnosis of cancer does not always mean a death sentence, particularly if the tumour is found at an early stage. Many types of cancer that were incurable 20 years ago are now completely treatable

Cancer is caused by injuries such as knocks and bumps, Correction: This is definitely not true; however, there is a slight connection in that a painful knock may make the person more aware of the tender area and that leads to them feeling a lump that was already there.

Cancer is contagious, meaning it can be caught from someone else by touching them or giving them a hug, Correction: it is impossible to catch most cancers through everyday contact with another person do don't be afraid to visit friends and relatives in hospital and give them a special hug of comfort

Cancer is hereditary in families, Correction: few types of cancer are hereditary, some rare forms of can be inherited

Cancer is caused by stress, Correction: There is no evidence that links the development of cancer to any mental or emotional upset

Women are more at risk of developing cancer than men, Correction: figures show that the risks are similar and the main types of cancer are the same. Men and women die fairly equally from cancers of the stomach, large intestine and pancreas. The differences is found in the cancers linked to specific, gender- related organs, such as the prostate gland in men and ovaries or womb in women.

If you are in any doubt with facts about cancer and you are not quite sure about them you can always contact a health care professional for their advice.