Hey there! I’m Ellie, and today we’re diving into some common misconceptions about cancer. Let’s clear up some misunderstandings and learn more about this important topic.
When people hear “cancer,” they might think it’s all the same. But actually, cancer is a term for a wide range of diseases where cells grow uncontrollably. Different types of cancer behave in unique ways, grow at different speeds, and respond differently to treatments. That’s why some people might get chemotherapy, while others might need radiotherapy. Also, different cancers have different risk factors. For example, too much sun can increase the risk of skin cancer, while lifestyle choices like being overweight or not exercising can increase the risk of colon, kidney, and breast cancer.
Many people think cancer survival rates are low, but that’s not true anymore. Over the years, survival rates have improved a lot. Back in 1975, the five-year survival rate was 50%, but by 2004, it jumped to 67%. For some cancers like breast, prostate, and thyroid cancer, the survival rates are over 90%!
There’s a belief that artificial sweeteners cause cancer, but research doesn’t support this. The American Institute for Cancer Research found no link between artificial sweeteners and cancer. So, while it’s good to be cautious about what we eat, sweeteners aren’t a proven cancer risk.
Some people worry that using deodorant can lead to breast cancer. However, the National Cancer Institute says there’s no evidence linking deodorants to breast cancer. So, you can keep using your favorite deodorant without fear.
While breast cancer is much more common in women, men can get it too. Each year, about 2,350 men in the U.S. are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, and around 440 men die from it. Although it’s rare for men, it’s important to be aware that it can happen.
Not all cancers cause pain. Whether a cancer is painful depends on its type, location, stage, and treatment. For example, thyroid cancer might not cause any symptoms at all. So, pain isn’t always a sign of cancer.
Some people think that injuries like bruises or broken bones can lead to cancer, but that’s not true. Cancer is usually caused by genetic changes, not physical injuries. While it’s extremely rare, skin cancer can start in a burn scar, but injuries like falls or bruises aren’t cancer risks.
While a lump can be a sign of breast cancer, there are other indicators too. These include skin irritation, pain, redness, discharge, and underarm swelling. Sometimes, there might be no symptoms at all, but a mammogram can detect cancer early.
It’s surprising, but 10 to 15% of lung cancer cases in the U.S. occur in people who have never smoked. Each year, 16,000 to 24,000 non-smokers die from lung cancer. Risks for non-smokers include secondhand smoke, air pollution, and genetic factors.
Many people worry that surgery might cause cancer to spread, but this is mostly a myth. According to the National Cancer Society, surgery doesn’t usually cause cancer to spread. Some surgeries, like those for eye or testicular tumors, are riskier, but the idea that air exposure during surgery spreads cancer is not true.
Thanks for learning with me today! If you have any topics you’d like us to cover in future episodes, let us know in the comments. See you next time!
Choose a type of cancer and research its characteristics, risk factors, and treatment options. Create a poster or presentation to share your findings with the class. This will help you understand how different cancers are unique and why they require different approaches.
Create a timeline that shows the improvement in cancer survival rates over the years. Include key medical advancements that contributed to these improvements. This activity will help you appreciate the progress made in cancer treatment and the importance of research.
Participate in a debate where you address common cancer misconceptions. Work in teams to research and present evidence that debunks these myths. This will enhance your critical thinking skills and help you communicate scientific facts effectively.
Organize a workshop that focuses on lifestyle choices that can reduce cancer risk. Discuss topics like diet, exercise, and avoiding harmful substances. This will empower you to make informed decisions about your health and understand the role of lifestyle in cancer prevention.
Invite a healthcare professional or cancer survivor to speak about their experiences and insights. Prepare questions in advance to engage with the speaker. This will provide you with a personal perspective on cancer and its impact on individuals and families.
Here’s a sanitized version of the YouTube transcript:
—
Hi, I’m Ellie, and this is Mental Floss on YouTube. Today, I’m going to talk about some misconceptions about cancer.
**Misconception #1: All cancers are similar.**
Generally, cancer means there’s an excessive growth of abnormal cells, but there are many different types of cancer that behave very differently. They grow and spread at different rates and respond differently to treatments, which is why some people receive chemotherapy while others receive radiotherapy. Additionally, various types of cancer have different risk factors. For example, excessive sun exposure is a risk factor for skin cancer, while lifestyle choices like obesity and lack of exercise are risk factors for colon, kidney, and breast cancer.
**Misconception #2: Cancer has low survival rates.**
Actually, the five-year cancer survival rate has increased significantly over the past few decades. In 1975, it was 50%, and by 2004, it had climbed to 67%. For certain types of cancer, like breast, prostate, and thyroid cancer, the survival rates are over 90%.
**Misconception #3: Artificial sweeteners raise cancer risk.**
According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, over half of Americans believe that artificial sweeteners cause cancer. Interestingly, this is a smaller percentage than those who believe that lack of exercise is a cancer risk. In fact, scientists have found no link between artificial sweeteners and cancer.
**Misconception #4: Deodorant causes breast cancer.**
The National Cancer Institute has stated that the best studies so far have found no evidence linking the chemicals typically found in antiperspirants and deodorants with changes in breast tissue.
**Misconception #5: Breast cancer only happens to women.**
Every year, 2,350 men in the U.S. are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, and 440 men die from breast cancer each year. However, for men, the risk is about a hundred times less common than for women.
**Misconception #6: All cancers are painful.**
Whether or not a cancer causes pain depends on the type, location, stage, and treatment. In fact, the Mayo Clinic has announced that some cancers never cause any pain. For instance, thyroid cancer can sometimes have no symptoms.
**Misconception #7: Physical injuries can cause cancer later in life.**
In a survey conducted by the American Cancer Society, 37% of Americans believed this to be true. However, experts usually attribute cancer to genetic changes rather than physical injuries. While in rare instances, skin cancer might start in a burn scar, falls, bruises, and broken bones are not considered cancer risks.
**Misconception #8: A lump is the number one indicator of breast cancer.**
There are actually many other ways to tell if breast cancer is present, including skin irritation, pain, redness, and discharge. Underarm swelling can also be an indicator of breast cancer, even before a lump is noticeable. Additionally, there may be no symptoms, but a mammogram can detect cancer.
**Misconception #9: Non-smokers don’t get lung cancer.**
Amazingly, 10 to 15% of people who have lung cancer in the U.S. have never smoked, and 16,000 to 24,000 non-smoking Americans die of lung cancer each year. Interestingly, these individuals tend to be diagnosed at a younger age than smokers, and non-smokers with lung cancer are more often women than men. Some lung cancer risks that are not related to smoking include secondhand smoke, air pollution, and gene mutations.
**Misconception #10: Surgery causes cancer to spread.**
According to the National Cancer Society, in nearly all cases, surgery does not cause cancer to spread. Some tumor surgeries are riskier, such as those involving the eye and testicular tumors, but it is a misconception that air will cause cancer to spread during surgery.
Thank you for watching misconceptions on Mental Floss on YouTube! If you have a topic for an upcoming misconceptions episode that you would like to see, please let us know in the comments below. I’ll see you next week!
—
This version maintains the informative content while ensuring clarity and professionalism.
Cancer – A disease caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in a part of the body. – Early detection of cancer can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment.
Survival – The ability to continue living or existing, especially in spite of difficult conditions. – The survival rate for patients with early-stage cancer is higher compared to those diagnosed at a later stage.
Sweeteners – Substances used to give a sweet taste to food or drink, often as a substitute for sugar. – Some people use artificial sweeteners to reduce their sugar intake and manage their weight.
Deodorant – A substance applied to the body to prevent or mask body odor due to bacterial breakdown of perspiration. – Using deodorant can help maintain personal hygiene and prevent unpleasant odors.
Breast – Either of the two soft, protruding organs on the upper front of a woman’s body that secrete milk after childbirth. – Regular self-examinations of the breast can help in early detection of any unusual changes or lumps.
Painful – Causing physical discomfort or suffering. – A painful sensation in the joints can be a symptom of arthritis.
Injuries – Harm or damage that is done to the body, often as a result of an accident. – Wearing protective gear can help prevent injuries during sports activities.
Lump – A compact mass of a substance, especially one without a definite or regular shape. – Finding a lump in the body can be alarming and should be checked by a doctor.
Non-smokers – People who do not smoke tobacco. – Non-smokers have a lower risk of developing lung cancer compared to smokers.
Surgery – The treatment of injuries or disorders of the body by incision or manipulation, especially with instruments. – Surgery may be necessary to remove a tumor and prevent the spread of cancer.
