Cancer myths debunked

Cancer kills. The Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) reports that as many as 100 000 South Africans are diagnosed with cancer every year and rates our chances of survival at an average 6/10. Scary statistics. Movies like My Sister’s Keeper (2009) and Finding Neverland (2004) helped create the misconception of cancer as a white man’s disease, but it is important to know that cancer affects everyone – men and women, young and old, rich and poor, and all races of our rainbow nation. There are a number of other myths that also need debunking.

Myth 1: Cancer cannot be prevented, it’s something that just happens. Wrong. According to Cansa, 30-40% of cancers can be prevented by avoiding tobacco, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, protecting oneself from

excessive sun exposure, limiting alcohol consumption, and going for screenings regularly. HPV and Hepatitis B vaccinations are also important, since 20% of cancers in third world countries like South Africa are caused by infections which can be prevented.

Myth 2: Skin cancer only affects those with light skin. Wrong. Cansa confirms that all races are at risk, although cases are most prevalent in those with lighter skin. A recent study found that UVA damages the DNA of melanin cells (in both dark and light skin), which may lead to cancer. Everyone needs to wear sunblock, and not only when they are on the beach.

Myth 3: Tanning beds cause cancer. True. Tanning beds are a Group 1 carcinogen (an agent which definitely causes cancer in humans). They can emit very high levels of UV radiation many times stronger than the midday summer sun.

Myth 4: Smoking only one or two cigarettes a day is alright. Wrong. Cansa says that you are still more likely to die of a smoking-related disease than anything else, but the risk is lower than if you smoked more. Even a single cigarette can damage the delicate structures of the breathing passages and put you on the journey towards lung disease. Also, it is never too late to stop smoking. If you’ve been smoking for 20 years, you can still better your health by stopping. Five years after quitting, your risk of a whole host of cancers drops by at least half.

Myth 5: Red meat and braaied meat could cause cancer. True. Pork is the worst, since it contains an amino acid which Cansa says stimulates the growth of cancer, but red meat in general has been linked to many cancers, including prostate, colorectal and breast cancer. Certain preservatives in red meat also promote cancer growth. When meat is grilled, harmful chemicals called HCAs are created. Try and avoid grilling and cut off the burnt parts if possible.

Myth 6: Breast cancer is for older women. Wrong. The more advanced breast cancer does tend to be found in older women, but more and more breast cancers are being diagnosed in women as young as 20. It also affects men. Statistics are that 1 in 788 men are at risk. Alcohol use and anabolic steroids increase this risk further.

There are over 200 different cancers, make sure you do everything you can to prevent this life-threatening disease from affecting you and your loved ones. Prevention and early detection can save your life. For more info, see www.cansa.org.za.