Six stubborn myths about cancer

LONDON. September 1. KAZINFORM There are few illnesses as terrifying in the public consciousness ascancer. With up to a third of us getting cancer at some stage in our lives, it is almost impossible to remain untouched by the disease. As an ominous reminder of our mortality, cancer scares us to the point that discussions about it are often avoided and the language we use is couched in euphemisms.
None
None

The recent Channel 4 documentary "You're killing my son" told the story of Neon Roberts, a young boy whose treatment for a brain tumour was halted by his mother Sally, who remained convinced that radiotherapy would cause long-term harm and wanted to try alternative medical treatments.

After a difficult court battle, Neon received radiotherapy, leaving his mother somewhat unimpressed. "Death by doctor is very common, but thankfully, because of the internet these days a number of us have educated ourselves," she says in the documentary. "There's so many other options that we've been deprived of, denied."

The Neon Roberts case is tragic and reveals the quagmire of misinformation that surrounds the disease, but Ms Roberts's comment should not be completely dismissed. Misguided though she might be, her point that the internet is full of information about cancer cannot be denied. Much of it is dubious and outlandish, but differentiating between fact and fiction can be difficult and a host of myths about cancer have found new life online.

While it would be impossible to address all the legends on the subject, it is worth dispelling some of the more persistent misunderstandings.

Cancer rates are rising

Sharks don't get cancer

Cancer is a modern disease

Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are poisons

There is a cure, but big pharma is suppressing it

Cancer can be cured by X

Full version of theguardian.co.uk

Currently reading