Certain Cancer Myths Endure, Impacting Treatment, Prevention, and Screening

The article discussed various myths about cancer that affected patient care, treatment decisions, and preventive measures. A significant myth was that surgery causes cancer to spread, believed by 37% of surveyed lung disease patients, with higher prevalence among African Americans. This belief potentially led to refusal of surgery. Other myths included the curative power of supplements, the sufficiency of a positive attitude, and the concealment of a cancer cure by drug companies. Myths also impacted perceptions of cancer detection and prevention, such as the belief that antiperspirants cause breast cancer or that smoking is less harmful than air pollution. Experts emphasized the importance of dispelling these myths through effective communication and reliable information sources.