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<\/p>\n\n\n\nCredit: Getty Images. EatingWell design.\u00a9 Getty Images. EatingWell design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key Points<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Sugar does not feed cancer. Balanced nutrition is key for treatment and recovery.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Most cancers are not inherited, and lifestyle changes and screenings are critical for prevention.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Evidence-based treatments are safest. Herbal remedies and alkaline diets cannot cure cancer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Cancer<\/a> is a diagnosis that can carry an enormous amount of fear, and is often associated with serious and, in some cases, even terminal illness. But like so many things, what we hear from a friend, family member or on the internet isn’t always true. Some of the most popular beliefs about cancer are not rooted in science. Ahead, oncologists set the record straight and share six myths about cancer risk they wish you’d stop believing and (hopefully) put your mind more at ease in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"DoorDash](\"https:\/\/www.bing.com\/th?id=OADD2.7971501160916_1Q7KEEBIFMWFTHH1RZ&pid=21.2&c=17&roil=0.0063&roit=0&roir=0.9989&roib=1&w=275&h=144&dynsize=1&qlt=90&dpr=2.00\")
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Myth #1: Sugar Feeds Cancer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
“Almost on a daily basis I have at least one patient tell me: I cut out all sugar because everyone knows sugar feeds cancer,” says oncologist David Greenberg, MD, FACP<\/a>. But he says this is simply not true. Sugar does not ‘feed’ cancer or cause cancer to grow faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSo where did this myth come from? “I believe this myth originated from the fact that many cancer patients receive PET scans, and PET scans act by tagging your sugar (glucose) with a nuclear compound called FDG,” he says. He explains that while it’s true that malignant cells utilize sugar more rapidly, and allow PET scans to detect faster growing cancer cells, it has nothing to do with how cancer grows in your body. And there is no data to support that excess sugar intake will make your cancer worse, he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oncologist Sagun Shrestha, M.D.,<\/a> agrees and says, “While cancer cells do use glucose, so do all normal cells in the body. There is no strong clinical evidence showing that eliminating sugar can stop or slow cancer growth.”Related video: The three leading causes of cancer worldwide and what you can do to reduce risk (Talking With Docs)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nCOMMENT BY FITADELPHIA. SUGAR IS BAD FOR YOUR TEETH AND YOUR BONES. IF IT CAN EAT AWAY AT YOUR TOOTH ENAMEL AND WEAKEN YOUR BONES. SO STICK TO 25G OF SUGAR PER DAY. HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP (GMO CORN) HAS BEEN LINKED TO CANCER. IT IS IN EVERYTHING. THAT’S THE SUGAR YOU SHOULD LOOK OUT FOR. Fructose Sugar Fuels Cancer Growth Indirectly – NCI<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThis myth can also cause harm to patients. Oncologist Reena Vora, MD,<\/a> explains “This myth can lead patients to adopt extreme, nutritionally-deficient diets at a time when adequate nutrition is critical for treatment tolerance and recovery.” It can also be worrisome as those with cancer are already at risk for losing weight, adds Shrestha.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOncologists agree that overdoing it in the added sugar<\/a> department isn’t the best idea, either. Keep foods and drinks with added sugar to a minimum and focus on including a balanced mix of whole foods in your eating pattern.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMyth #2: Deodorant Causes Cancer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Ever heard applying deodorant may cause breast cancer? This is one myth oncologists wish you’d stop believing because it’s not true\u2014and you might start to get a little stinky without it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Studies looking at large groups of people have not found a clear link between deodorant or antiperspirant use and breast cancer,” says Vora. This held true even when researchers looked at antiperspirant, deodorant\u00a0or at applying it within an hour of shaving\u2014all common myths. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
COMMENT BY FITADELPHIA. RESEARCH SAYS THAT THE ALUMINUM IN DEODORANT INCREASES THE RISK OF CANCER. Top 9 Toxic Deodorant Ingredients (and brands) To Avoid At All Costs – They Leak Cancer Causing Chemicals into Your Bloodstream – Green Living Tribe<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nVoha says the myth came from lab studies that showed aluminum salts affected breast epithelial cells at high concentrations. However, large studies have not consistently found a connection between real-world antiperspirant use and breast cancer risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This myth can cause unnecessary anxiety and lead patients to avoid basic hygiene products, she adds. “More importantly, it distracts from evidence-based breast cancer risk reduction strategies such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, limiting alcohol and adhering to screening guidelines.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Myth #3: Cancer is Mostly Genetic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Many people think, if cancer runs in your family, it likely will impact you too. But oncologists say this is just a myth. “Only a small percentage of cancers are inherited. Even in cancers with stronger genetic links, most risk still comes from non-genetic factors,” says Voha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shrestha agrees: “Most cancers are not inherited. In fact, the majority are considered sporadic and are influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors. This misconception can lead people to skip recommended screenings, which are critical for early detection.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Research also backs this up. “An estimated 42% of all cancers diagnosed in the United States are attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors,” says Voha. Diet, smoking and alcohol use all are modifiable risk factors that play a significant role in cancer risk. “Even individuals with hereditary cancer syndromes benefit from lifestyle modifications and enhanced screening,” she adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Myth #4: Avoid Soy-Based Foods When Diagnosed with Cancer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
“I need to avoid soy based foods now that I have been diagnosed with breast cancer,” is another myth Greenberg hears often.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason for it? Soy foods<\/a> like tofu, edamame and soy milk contain phytoestrogens, a weak estrogen, which is likely where the misconception came from, he says. “The current evidence shows no correlation between soy intake and increased breast cancer risk. In fact, there are studies that actually suggest a lower risk of breast cancer and breast cancer recurrence when soy foods are incorporated into your diet.”<\/p>\n\n\n\nSo, no need to fear soy-based foods, just consume them in moderation, Greenberg says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
COMMENT BY FITADELPHIA: SOY IS GMO AND GROWN WITH GLYPHOSATE WHICH CAUSES CANCER. SO WE RECOMMEND NOT EATING ANY SOY!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nMyth #5: Natural and Herbal Remedies Can Cure Cancer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When you or someone you love receives a cancer diagnosis, the first thing you may do is to start searching for a cure. And in that search, you may come across natural or herbal remedies promising exactly that. Unfortunately for many hopefuls, oncologists say, these types of remedies can not cure cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“There is no high-quality evidence showing that herbal or “natural” treatments can cure cancer,” says Shrestha. “In some cases, these products can interfere with standard treatments or delay care. Evidence-based therapies remain the safest and most effective approach.” However, if a patient is interested in starting one alongside their treatment, it’s best to first consult with their physician to avoid any potential interactions, she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
COMMENT BY FITADELPHIA. OF COURSE THE DOCTORS WANT YOU NOT TO TRY NATURAL TREATMENTS BECAUSE IF THEY WORK THEN YOU WON’T BUY THEIR DRUGS. WHAT WE SHOULD BE DOING IS RESEARCHING HOLISTIC MEDICINE BEFORE CANCER BECOMES A THING<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nMyth #6: Increasing Alkaline In My Diet Will Fight Cancer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Heard of the alkaline diet or seen claims that alkaline foods are beneficial to your health? The idea that boosting your body’s alkalinity can fight or prevent cancer, is a myth Greenberg hopes to put to rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“There is no evidence to support increasing the pH in the body will help your body fight cancer or prevent it,” he says. “The body has its own very complex system that it uses to balance your pH appropriately. Guzzling liters of alkaline water will do nothing to affect your cancer risk, but it will make you urinate more often.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Better Ways to Help Lower Cancer Risk<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Stop believing everything you hear about cancer risk because scary-sounding information may just be myths. Here, oncologists share evidence-backed<\/a> ways to help lower cancer risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Eat a Well-Balanced Diet:<\/strong>\u00a0The best way to decrease your cancer risk is to follow a well balanced diet, rich in vegetables, fruits,\u00a0whole grains<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0lean proteins<\/a>, says Greenberg. Limit\u00a0ultra-processed foods<\/a>\u00a0and drinks high in added sugar.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Avoid Tobacco:<\/strong>\u00a0“Avoiding tobacco is the single most important step, as it is linked to a large proportion of cancer deaths”, says Shrestha.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Maintain a Healthy Weight:<\/strong>\u00a0Staying at a healthy weight and remaining physically active is important. Excess weight can cause inflammation and chronic disease\u2014both of which indirectly raise cancer risk.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Limit Red and Processed Meat:<\/strong>\u00a0Try to limit\u00a0red meat<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0grilled meats<\/a>\u00a0to no more than 4 times per month, says Greenberg. Also avoid or minimize\u00a0ultra-processed meats<\/a>\u00a0like cured meats as this is a known carcinogen, he adds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Limit Alcohol Intake:<\/strong>\u00a0Alcohol is also a known carcinogen, so consider avoiding or\u00a0limiting alcohol<\/a>, says Greenberg.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
COMMENT BY FITADELPHIA. GRASS FED BEEF IS A VERY GREAT SOURCE OF PROTIEN. OF COURSE YOU HAVE TO AVOID REGULAR BEEF BECAUSE THEY ARE FED GMO FEED (GLYPHOSATE HERBICIDE SPRAYED FEED) AND ARE RAISED IN FACTORIES. THEY ARE FED JUNK SO YOU SHOULD NEVER EAT REGULAR BEEF IN OUR OPINION.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nQuestions to Ask Your Doctor About Cancer Risk<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It’s natural to have questions about cancer risk. Here are ones oncologists recommend you should be asking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Start by finding out which cancer screenings are recommended for you based on your health history, says Shrestha. Also ask, which lifestyle changes would be most beneficial for you to adopt. If shifting your diet is on your list, meet with a registered dietitian nutritionist to help to get started on a realistic healthy eating plan. Voha provides a list of questions to take to your next appointment:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Am I up to date on my screenings?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What lifestyle changes would help me the most?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Do I need any vaccines to lower my cancer risk?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- I heard something about cancer risk\u00a0(insert topic)<\/em>\u2014 is it actually true?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Are there any preventive options I should consider?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Based on my health history, what cancers should I be thinking about?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Our Expert Take<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The internet has given us access to an endless amount of information\u2014but not all of it is accurate or backed by science. The six cancer risk myths oncologists wish you’d stop believing are: that sugar feeds cancer, that deodorant causes cancer, that cancer is mostly genetic, that soy should be avoided after a diagnosis, that natural and herb remedies can cure cancer and that an alkaline diet can fight cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Instead focus on what the studies actually support: eating a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, veggies, whole grains and lean proteins. Limit alcohol, avoid tobacco, reduce red and processed meats, stay active and maintain a healthy weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
COMMENT BY FITADELPHIA. MAKE SURE YOU TAKE OFF THE WAX THAT’S ON THE FRUITS AND VEGGIES. EAT ORGANIC GREENS. RESEARCH THE DIRTY DOZEN ON LINE. EWG’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce | Full List<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n“Overall, reducing cancer risk comes down to focusing on evidence-based strategies rather than misinformation. Understanding what truly matters can help patients make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary fear”, says Shrestha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cancer<\/a> is a diagnosis that can carry an enormous amount of fear, and is often associated with serious and, in some cases, even terminal illness. But like so many things, what we hear from a friend, family member or on the internet isn’t always true. Some of the most popular beliefs about cancer are not rooted in science. Ahead, oncologists set the record straight and share six myths about cancer risk they wish you’d stop believing and (hopefully) put your mind more at ease in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Almost on a daily basis I have at least one patient tell me: I cut out all sugar because everyone knows sugar feeds cancer,” says oncologist David Greenberg, MD, FACP<\/a>. But he says this is simply not true. Sugar does not ‘feed’ cancer or cause cancer to grow faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So where did this myth come from? “I believe this myth originated from the fact that many cancer patients receive PET scans, and PET scans act by tagging your sugar (glucose) with a nuclear compound called FDG,” he says. He explains that while it’s true that malignant cells utilize sugar more rapidly, and allow PET scans to detect faster growing cancer cells, it has nothing to do with how cancer grows in your body. And there is no data to support that excess sugar intake will make your cancer worse, he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Oncologist Sagun Shrestha, M.D.,<\/a> agrees and says, “While cancer cells do use glucose, so do all normal cells in the body. There is no strong clinical evidence showing that eliminating sugar can stop or slow cancer growth.”Related video: The three leading causes of cancer worldwide and what you can do to reduce risk (Talking With Docs)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n COMMENT BY FITADELPHIA. SUGAR IS BAD FOR YOUR TEETH AND YOUR BONES. IF IT CAN EAT AWAY AT YOUR TOOTH ENAMEL AND WEAKEN YOUR BONES. SO STICK TO 25G OF SUGAR PER DAY. HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP (GMO CORN) HAS BEEN LINKED TO CANCER. IT IS IN EVERYTHING. THAT’S THE SUGAR YOU SHOULD LOOK OUT FOR. Fructose Sugar Fuels Cancer Growth Indirectly – NCI<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This myth can also cause harm to patients. Oncologist Reena Vora, MD,<\/a> explains “This myth can lead patients to adopt extreme, nutritionally-deficient diets at a time when adequate nutrition is critical for treatment tolerance and recovery.” It can also be worrisome as those with cancer are already at risk for losing weight, adds Shrestha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Oncologists agree that overdoing it in the added sugar<\/a> department isn’t the best idea, either. Keep foods and drinks with added sugar to a minimum and focus on including a balanced mix of whole foods in your eating pattern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ever heard applying deodorant may cause breast cancer? This is one myth oncologists wish you’d stop believing because it’s not true\u2014and you might start to get a little stinky without it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Studies looking at large groups of people have not found a clear link between deodorant or antiperspirant use and breast cancer,” says Vora. This held true even when researchers looked at antiperspirant, deodorant\u00a0or at applying it within an hour of shaving\u2014all common myths. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n COMMENT BY FITADELPHIA. RESEARCH SAYS THAT THE ALUMINUM IN DEODORANT INCREASES THE RISK OF CANCER. Top 9 Toxic Deodorant Ingredients (and brands) To Avoid At All Costs – They Leak Cancer Causing Chemicals into Your Bloodstream – Green Living Tribe<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Voha says the myth came from lab studies that showed aluminum salts affected breast epithelial cells at high concentrations. However, large studies have not consistently found a connection between real-world antiperspirant use and breast cancer risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This myth can cause unnecessary anxiety and lead patients to avoid basic hygiene products, she adds. “More importantly, it distracts from evidence-based breast cancer risk reduction strategies such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, limiting alcohol and adhering to screening guidelines.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many people think, if cancer runs in your family, it likely will impact you too. But oncologists say this is just a myth. “Only a small percentage of cancers are inherited. Even in cancers with stronger genetic links, most risk still comes from non-genetic factors,” says Voha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shrestha agrees: “Most cancers are not inherited. In fact, the majority are considered sporadic and are influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors. This misconception can lead people to skip recommended screenings, which are critical for early detection.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Research also backs this up. “An estimated 42% of all cancers diagnosed in the United States are attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors,” says Voha. Diet, smoking and alcohol use all are modifiable risk factors that play a significant role in cancer risk. “Even individuals with hereditary cancer syndromes benefit from lifestyle modifications and enhanced screening,” she adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “I need to avoid soy based foods now that I have been diagnosed with breast cancer,” is another myth Greenberg hears often.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The reason for it? Soy foods<\/a> like tofu, edamame and soy milk contain phytoestrogens, a weak estrogen, which is likely where the misconception came from, he says. “The current evidence shows no correlation between soy intake and increased breast cancer risk. In fact, there are studies that actually suggest a lower risk of breast cancer and breast cancer recurrence when soy foods are incorporated into your diet.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, no need to fear soy-based foods, just consume them in moderation, Greenberg says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n COMMENT BY FITADELPHIA: SOY IS GMO AND GROWN WITH GLYPHOSATE WHICH CAUSES CANCER. SO WE RECOMMEND NOT EATING ANY SOY!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When you or someone you love receives a cancer diagnosis, the first thing you may do is to start searching for a cure. And in that search, you may come across natural or herbal remedies promising exactly that. Unfortunately for many hopefuls, oncologists say, these types of remedies can not cure cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “There is no high-quality evidence showing that herbal or “natural” treatments can cure cancer,” says Shrestha. “In some cases, these products can interfere with standard treatments or delay care. Evidence-based therapies remain the safest and most effective approach.” However, if a patient is interested in starting one alongside their treatment, it’s best to first consult with their physician to avoid any potential interactions, she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n COMMENT BY FITADELPHIA. OF COURSE THE DOCTORS WANT YOU NOT TO TRY NATURAL TREATMENTS BECAUSE IF THEY WORK THEN YOU WON’T BUY THEIR DRUGS. WHAT WE SHOULD BE DOING IS RESEARCHING HOLISTIC MEDICINE BEFORE CANCER BECOMES A THING<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Heard of the alkaline diet or seen claims that alkaline foods are beneficial to your health? The idea that boosting your body’s alkalinity can fight or prevent cancer, is a myth Greenberg hopes to put to rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “There is no evidence to support increasing the pH in the body will help your body fight cancer or prevent it,” he says. “The body has its own very complex system that it uses to balance your pH appropriately. Guzzling liters of alkaline water will do nothing to affect your cancer risk, but it will make you urinate more often.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stop believing everything you hear about cancer risk because scary-sounding information may just be myths. Here, oncologists share evidence-backed<\/a> ways to help lower cancer risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n COMMENT BY FITADELPHIA. GRASS FED BEEF IS A VERY GREAT SOURCE OF PROTIEN. OF COURSE YOU HAVE TO AVOID REGULAR BEEF BECAUSE THEY ARE FED GMO FEED (GLYPHOSATE HERBICIDE SPRAYED FEED) AND ARE RAISED IN FACTORIES. THEY ARE FED JUNK SO YOU SHOULD NEVER EAT REGULAR BEEF IN OUR OPINION.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s natural to have questions about cancer risk. Here are ones oncologists recommend you should be asking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Start by finding out which cancer screenings are recommended for you based on your health history, says Shrestha. Also ask, which lifestyle changes would be most beneficial for you to adopt. If shifting your diet is on your list, meet with a registered dietitian nutritionist to help to get started on a realistic healthy eating plan. Voha provides a list of questions to take to your next appointment:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The internet has given us access to an endless amount of information\u2014but not all of it is accurate or backed by science. The six cancer risk myths oncologists wish you’d stop believing are: that sugar feeds cancer, that deodorant causes cancer, that cancer is mostly genetic, that soy should be avoided after a diagnosis, that natural and herb remedies can cure cancer and that an alkaline diet can fight cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead focus on what the studies actually support: eating a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, veggies, whole grains and lean proteins. Limit alcohol, avoid tobacco, reduce red and processed meats, stay active and maintain a healthy weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n COMMENT BY FITADELPHIA. MAKE SURE YOU TAKE OFF THE WAX THAT’S ON THE FRUITS AND VEGGIES. EAT ORGANIC GREENS. RESEARCH THE DIRTY DOZEN ON LINE. EWG’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce | Full List<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n “Overall, reducing cancer risk comes down to focusing on evidence-based strategies rather than misinformation. Understanding what truly matters can help patients make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary fear”, says Shrestha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Myth #1: Sugar Feeds Cancer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Myth #2: Deodorant Causes Cancer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Myth #3: Cancer is Mostly Genetic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Myth #4: Avoid Soy-Based Foods When Diagnosed with Cancer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Myth #5: Natural and Herbal Remedies Can Cure Cancer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Myth #6: Increasing Alkaline In My Diet Will Fight Cancer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Better Ways to Help Lower Cancer Risk<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Cancer Risk<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Our Expert Take<\/h2>\n\n\n\n