Not everything you hear about cancer is true. Some myths are harmless, others can hold you back from prevention.
We separate the facts from the fiction so you can stay informed.
Myth 1: Microwave ovens cause cancer
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today
Microwaves are a kitchen staple but are they secretly dangerous? The answer is no.
According to the Cancer Council, microwave ovens use radiation to make water molecules vibrate, heating food — not making it radioactive.
Your microwave meals are perfectly safe.
Myth 2: Bowel cancer only affects older people
It is a common misconception that bowel cancer is “an old person’s disease”.
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, can affect any part of the colon or rectum — it may also be referred to as colon cancer or rectal cancer.
But according to Bowel Cancer Australia the reality is early-onset bowel cancer is on the rise and you should never be told ”you’re too young to have bowel cancer”.
Although the majority of newly diagnosed bowel cancer cases occur in people aged 50 years and older, one in eight (12 per cent) of Australians diagnosed with bowel cancer are younger than 50.
Myth 3: Drinking from plastic bottles causes cancer
Reusing plastic water bottles is common, but it won’t give you cancer even if left in the car or freezer.
The Cancer Council says the chemicals in plastic bottles are not linked to cancer.
But remember: bacteria can build up if bottles aren’t cleaned regularly, so wash with hot, soapy water before refilling.
Myth 4: Food preservatives cause cancer
A common misconception is all or some food additives are harmful and can cause cancer but there is no evidence to prove this, according to the Cancer Council.
Food preservatives, or additives, are added to food improve its quality, preserve it or improve the texture and taste.
The use of food preservatives is regulated by Food Standards Australia and New Zealand which does extensive testing to ensure they are safe for consumers.
This means the food products available in our country do not increase your risk of cancer.
Myth 5: Mobile phones cause cancer
According to the Cancer Council, many studies have been done or are under way into the effects of mobile phones on health, including the relationship between mobile phone use and the risk of brain tumours.
So far the research has found mobile phone users are not at any greater risk of brain cancer than people who don’t use mobile phones.
However, the risk has only been assessed for short to medium-term mobile phone use (less than 10 years).
Long-term mobile phone use has yet to be fully evaluated and this can only occur with the passage of time.
Myth 6: Breast size affects cancer risk
Research from the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) shows one in five women wrongly believe breast size influences cancer risk.
But there is no connection between breast size and cancer risk, although it can sometimes be more challenging to examine larger breasts.
Obesity and breast density, on the other hand, can both increase the risk of breast cancer. In addition, family history and lifestyle factors can also influence the odds of getting breast cancer.
Women with larger breasts are more likely to report back pain but this is not a risk factor for breast cancer.
No matter what your breast size, the NBCF advises it is important to conduct regular breast self-exams, attend annual check-ups with your healthcare provider and receive annual mammograms if you are age 40 or older.
What does raise your risk of cancer?
While microwaves, plastics and preservatives are safe, roughly one-third of cancers in Australia are linked to known lifestyle risk factors. Most come down to a short list:
- Tobacco smoking
- UV radiation exposure
- Poor diet
- Being overweight
- Physical inactivity
- Alcohol consumption
