The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that cancer will be responsible for 10 million deaths globally in 2020. It is a major cause of death on a global scale. According to estimates, 39.5% of Americans will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. Myths frequently arise about conditions that are extremely common. Therefore, it is not surprising that individuals frequently misinterpret cancer. There are several myths and facts that are found with cancer. It was determined that 14,61,427 incident cases of cancer will occur in India in 2022. In India, one in nine individuals has a lifetime risk of developing cancer. It is useless to worry about your health if you have misconceptions regarding the origins of cancer. Some malignancies, such as breast, prostate, and thyroid tumors, now have 5-year survival rates of 90% or higher. The 5-year survival rate for all cancers combined is currently about 67%.”Overall, cancer death rates are slowly declining, although the survival rates of some cancers are increasing more than others.
Several measures are available to prevent cancer and there are articles available that show numerous ways that increase cancer growth rate. Most of this information is vague and several misconceptions are associated with it which eventually leads to the deterioration of the patient’s health.
Some Common Myths and Facts of Cancer
Herewith we discuss some of the myths and facts associated with cancer.
1. 
Reason: There is evidence that plastic containers not intended for microwave use can melt and potentially release chemicals into your food. Avoid using plastic containers in the microwave that are not intended for microwave use, such as take-out containers, margarine tubs, or bowls of whipped cream.
2.
Reason: Cancer cells consume more sugar than normal cells. There is no evidence that eating sugar will make the cancer worse or that. Although, a high-sugar diet may lead to excess weight gain, and obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing several types of cancer.
3.
Reason: This is an old myth. You cannot have cancer from someone who has it. This is an especially vicious myth as it could keep a friend or relative from spending time with a cancer patient right when they need support most. Cancer is a genetic disease and thus it is a misconception that it is contagious.
4.
Reason: With the advancements of medical science, treatments are getting more effective. Some cancers such as testicular and thyroid cancer, have a 60% cure rate. The population of cancer patients that has the same life expectancy as the general population.
5.
Reason: The evidence currently available does not provide clear evidence of a causative link between the use of deodorants and the development of breast cancer. Thus, there is no need to avoid deodorants as a means of reducing your risk of breast cancer.
6.
Reason: There is no evidence that any herbal medicines can cure or treat cancer. However, some people find certain alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, meditation, and yoga, to help with the psychological stress associated with cancer and some of the side effects of cancer treatment.
7.
Reason: The statement is a myth. This myth claims that antiperspirants trap toxins inside the body, which are deposited in the lymph nodes below the arms, causing cell mutations and cancer. This myth ignores the fact that there are no toxins to purge. Additionally, there is no evident cancer research that showed any major evidence that antiperspirants can cause cancer.
8.
Reason: Mammography is an important screening tool for the detection of breast cancer. While the radiation exposure from mammograms is low, the benefits of early detection and treatment of breast cancer outweigh the risks. This is an important imaging technique that is very much helpful in the detection of cancer.
Conclusion
The cancer incidence burden is continuing to increase in India. Thus, it can be said that there are several misconceptions or myths and facts that are associated with cancer. Some are vague and some are somewhat clear. These misconceptions need to be clarified by several organizations taking various initiatives so that people should have a more clarified knowledge of this dreadful cancer. There are several reasons for the myths sustaining yet such as misinformation from unreliable sources, lack of scientific understanding, fear and anxiety and much more.