5 Biggest Myths About Cancer – And Why They're Wrong

Cancer trails only heart disease as America’s leading cause of death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

However, all cancers – and their treatments – aren’t the same, and don’t affect every patient in the same way, says Santosh Rao, MD, Medical Director of Integrative Oncology for University Hospitals Connor Whole Health.

Here are six of the most common misperceptions about cancer, according to Dr. Rao:

Myth: Sugar is harmless for cancer cells.

Fact: “Cancer cells, like all cells, use sugar to grow and divide,” Dr. Rao says. “While it may not be the same for all cancers, sugar has an effect on hormones like insulin and other pathways that have been linked to cancer growth.”

What’s most important is that people eat a healthy diet – before and after they’re diagnosed with cancer.

“The American Institute of Cancer Research suggests avoiding sugar sweetened drinks and processed foods as part of its 10 cancer prevention recommendations,” Dr. Rao says. “Fruits and vegetables have sugar, however they also have fiber and carbohydrates which allows the body to properly metabolize the sugar.”

Myth: Chemotherapy makes patients perpetually sick.

Fact: “Compared to 20 or 30 years ago, some side effects of chemotherapy are more moderate for many patients today,” Dr. Rao says. “We can often reduce nausea with new medications. Advances in targeted therapy also allow us to treat cancer cells more precisely than in the past, which further reduces effects on the whole body.”

Before treatment begins, your oncologist should explain any side effects you may experience and what can be done to ease them.

Myth: All cancer treatments weaken your immune system.

Fact: “Your immune system is designed to track down and destroy foreign invaders like cancer cells,” Dr. Rao says. “The problem is that cancer cells are very good at hiding themselves so they can’t be attacked. While it is true that chemotherapy can alter your immune system, particularly if your white blood cells are reduced, it is not a long-term problem usually.”

Other treatments, like immunotherapy, do not weaken the immune system. Immunotherapy reveals the cancer cells so that the body’s immune system can do its job and kill them. Immunotherapy, Dr. Rao says, has become a “fourth pillar” of cancer treatment, along with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

“In recent years, immunotherapy has become increasingly common for treating many types of cancer, such as lung, kidney and melanoma. Over time, we hope to continue to find ways to make it effective against other types of cancer.”

Myth: Herbs and dietary supplements can cure cancer.

Fact: Although it’s reasonable for a cancer patient to explore non-medical treatments, Dr. Rao says there is no evidence that herbs – including marijuana – and other supplements can reduce cancer cells.

“One of the most common questions I am asked is about medical marijuana,” he says. “Some people think that cannabinoids can fight cancer or help you live longer. There are very few scientific studies that prove that. There are some studies that show that marijuana can help relieve nausea and pain and increase appetite. One day they may find something in cannabis with cancer-fighting properties, but we’re not there yet.”

Dr. Rao says lab research on leukemia has shown that curcumin, a substance found in turmeric, may have anti-cancer properties, and research has shown vitamin D to be effective in reducing the chance of cancer recurrence.

“There is very little harm in looking for things that will help your situation, but it is a good idea to talk with your doctor about it,” he says.

Myth: Your attitude has no effect on your recovery.

Fact: Optimism, positive thinking, social support and gratitude all have positive health impacts, including in cancer.

“I think having a positive attitude is beneficial in motivating people to engage in the treatment process, which may help to improve the results,” he says. “Reducing stress has been shown to strengthen the immune system. Exercising and staying active can be beneficial, and getting proper nutrition can really help to improve the results of treatment. That is no myth.”

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At University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, our care team provides the most advanced forms of cancer care, from prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment through survivorship.

The integrative healthcare team at University Hospitals Connor Whole Health work closely with your physicians to ensure that the care you receive is coordinated and safe.