Cancer Myths & Facts

Many people believe that you will get cancer because someone in your family had it, but that is false.  About ½ of men and 1/3 of the women in the U.S. will get the disease at some point. Only about 5%-10% of cases are linked to genes from their parents.  The doctors aren’t sure why some people get sick with cancer and other don’t, but it isn’t just about your family history of the disease. However, those who eat a lot of processed meats, such as hot dogs and lunchmeat, are more likely to get colon cancer.  It isn’t really completely clear why, but it might be because of nitrites, the chemicals that are added to foods to stop the bacteria and preserve color.

There is a link between red meat and colon cancer, so it would be advisable to limit how much you eat.  Choose instead other kinds of protein such as chicken, fish or beans.

Heavy drinking can also increase your chances of getting cancer such as mouth, liver, colon, breast and others.  It really doesn’t make any difference if you choose beer, wine or liquor, but how much you consume. The more you drink, the higher your risk.  Stick to no more than 2 drinks a day in you are a man and 1 a day if you’re a woman.

Acupuncture can help ease the nausea in those having cancer chemotherapy.  It might also be useful if you have a dry mouth after radiation therapy. Be sure to let your doctor know if you want to try acupuncture.

A biopsy will not cause cancer cells to spread.  During a biopsy the doctor will take a small sample of cells from your body to check for any indication of cancer.  With most types of the disease, it’s very unlikely that this procedure would cause cancer to spread.

What can you do to lower your chance of getting cancer?  Exercise along with healthy eating and managing your weight will make you less likely to get certain cancers, including breast and color cancer.  Even if you are active, be sure to get routine cancer tests that your doctor might recommend.

Dr Fredda Branyon