5 cancer myths debunked

Every day 71 New Zealanders are diagnosed with cancer, and every day the Cancer Society is there for them. As well as providing supportive care services (like transport, accommodation and counselling), they’re New Zealand’s largest private funder of cancer research – so when it comes to cancer, they really know their stuff.

According to Cancer Society Co-Medical Director Dr Kate Gregory there are lots of myths swirling around about cancer – and with Daffodil Day rapidly approaching on Friday 26 August, she reckons now is the perfect time to debunk some of them.

So let’s set the record straight on five of the most common cancer misconceptions!

MYTH #1: My cancer treatment will make me really sick

That’s one thing people are always frightened about but it’s actually a really common misconception. It goes back to when vomiting and nausea were a standard chemotherapy side effect, but times have changed. In this modern era, it’s extremely unusual for people to vomit. Yes, they might have a few days feeling a bit seedy, a bit not right, but we have amazing drugs that can control vomiting and nausea now. If someone has an unpleasant experience during their first treatment cycle, then oncologists can jiggle things round to improve things. These days we have much more knowledge about what works well with different drugs, and it’s very well controlled. Treatments are also a lot more targeted and less likely to cause these side effects in the first place.

MYTH #2: I have cancer, so it’s more likely my kids will develop cancer too

People are terrified about this, but the reality is that only 5 – 10% of cancers are due to genetic mutation. Yes, it’s absolutely something we consider, and it always forms part of our initial consultation, but the vast majority of cancers are not genetically inherited. Most genetically caused cancers are diagnosed at a younger age, when people are in their 20s and early 30s, and if we do see a pattern in a family, we make a referral to the genetics department. There are also some types of cancers that automatically trigger a genetics referral. The BRCA gene, which can increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, is one that people are quite aware of – some refer to it as the ‘Angelina Jolie gene’. But actually, it’s only responsible for about 5% of breast cancers.

MYTH #3: There’s nothing I can do to stop my cancer coming back in the future

Actually, there’s a myriad of things you can do to reduce the likelihood of cancer returning. First up, if you’ve been prescribed ongoing treatment or been put on medication, take it seriously and be consistent. Go to all your follow ups and screenings, and always take your meds! And while some of us might be tempted to throw everything at it and dose up on supplements and alternative remedies, there’s no research that shows this is actually of any benefit. In fact, supplements could potentially react with your medication. If you want to take them, make sure you check with your oncologist first.

Lifestyle changes can also help on the journey to staying cancer-free. Keep a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and eat well (that means five-plus a day for fruit and veges, and take it easy on processed food, including processed meat). And most importantly, once you’ve had cancer, stay vigilant. Be aware of any changes in your body and always seek help sooner rather than later.

MYTH #4: Drinking alcohol does not cause cancer

Unfortunately, it does. In fact, not only does drinking increase the likelihood of developing seven different types of cancer, but it has also been categorised as a Class 1 carcinogenic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Research shows that alcohol is a known cause of cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box, oesophagus, bowel, liver and breast, but many of us are not even aware of these health risks. There is some good news though – when it comes to developing cancer, the amount we drink is something we actually have control over. It’s about rethinking our habits. For many of us, giving up booze is not realistic, but drinking less will definitely be helpful.

MYTH #5: The HPV vaccine is not effective at preventing cervical cancer

Actually, it really is! A report in a British medical journal compared females aged 12 and 13 who had been fully vaccinated with those who hadn’t. By getting vaccinated, these young women reduced their risk of developing cervical cancer in their 20s by a whopping 87%. It seems like a no-brainer, but unfortunately here in New Zealand, our uptake of the HPV vaccine is woeful. One study showed that only 61% of girls born in 1997 are fully vaccinated, and only 67% of girls born in 2003. Modelling for boys is even more dismal, at an estimated 53%. Compare that to vaccination rates in the UK (around 85%) and Australia (80% of girls and 77% of boys), and it’s clear that Aotearoa has a long way to go.

So, remember that not everything you hear about cancer is true. By donating on Daffodil Day, you can help dispel these myths and ensure the Cancer Society can continue its vital work supporting patients and their whānau.

Please give generously this Daffodil Day. A donation of $150 contributes to research that improves prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. To find out more or donate today, visit www.daffodilday.org.nz.

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