Cancer myths versus facts

April is National Cancer Control Month, a time for raising awareness about the prevention and treatment of cancer. In honor of the annual event, here’s the truth about four common cancer myths.

Myth: Cancer is contagious
Fact: Since your immune system automatically destroys foreign cells, cancer can’t spread from person to person, either through the air or through direct contact. However, certain bacteria and viruses that increase the risk for cancer are contagious — for example, human papillomavirus (HPV), which is sexually transmitted, can cause cervical cancer.

Myth: Antiperspirants cause cancer
Fact: While a few rogue scientists claim using antiperspirants containing aluminum heightens your risk of breast cancer, the National Cancer Institute states that no reliable scientific evidence links these products to the development of cancer. There’s also no evidence that using hair dye presents a cancer risk.

Myth: Eating sugar makes cancer worse
Fact: While eating lots of sugar isn’t good for you, it won’t cause your cancer to develop more rapidly, as is sometimes claimed. Likewise, cutting sugar out of your diet won’t cause your cancer growth to slow.

Myth: You won’t get cancer if no one in your family has it
Fact: Only a very small percentage of cancer cases are inherited (about five to 10 percent). You’re more likely to develop cancer because of age, environmental factors or life-style choices.