Sugar "feeds" cancer
Sugar "feeds" cancer
THE MYTH
A large amount of sugar is said to "feed" cancer cells, suggesting that sweet must be totally eliminated from the diet. But it is false.
THE TRUTH
According to Dr. Puente Vázquez, tumor cells consume more sugar because it is easier for them to duplicate, but no study has found that sugar consumption worsens the evolution of a tumor.
What does affect
What does affect
Diets high in sugar cause obesity, and a link between obesity and cancer has been established. In Europe, the extra kilos would be behind 1% of colon cancer cases; 9% of breast cancer; 39% of those with the uterus; 37% of those of the esophagus; 25% of the kidney and 24% of the gallbladder.
The aroma of lemon prevents cancer
The aroma of lemon prevents cancer
THE MYTH
Very preliminary research from a German university has seen that a component of lemon can inhibit the growth of cancer cells in laboratory cultures.
THE TRUTH
Dr. Puente Vázquez affirms that "there are many studies in their early stages that are not conclusive later in real patients." Therefore, it cannot be said that the aroma of lemon prevents it.
What does protect you
What does protect you
A balanced diet such as the Mediterranean, which reduces the risk of breast cancer by 30% and uterine cancer by 46%.
Mood influences its appearance
Mood influences its appearance
THE MYTH
Being depressed, sad, or stressed lowers your defenses and causes cancer to develop.
THE TRUTH
The central nervous system is essential in regulating the immune system and, therefore, stress and depression can weaken your defenses. However, according to the clinical psychologist Cristina Brunel there is no evidence to affirm that they increase the risk by themselves. Yes, they can lead to harmful behaviors such as smoking. They can also be associated with worse treatment outcomes.
What protects
What protects
A study carried out among patients with breast cancer to control stress found that meditation and mindfulness produced changes at the cellular level, specifically in the telomeres that act as protectors of our DNA.
Burnt toast can cause cancer
Burnt toast can cause cancer
THE MYTH
It is said that the charcoal on toast when burned must be removed because it causes cancer.
THE TRUTH
According to experts from the Institute for Advanced Techniques against Cancer, although charcoal has a carcinogenic component, its consumption should be massive to be considered a risk factor.
What does protect you
What does protect you
Do not burn yourself, sunbathing in moderation and always with sunscreen. Sunburn multiplies the risk of skin cancer.
Not having a record protects me
Not having a record protects me
THE MYTH
As there are some cancers of hereditary origin, there are those who think that the fact of not having relatives with cancer leaves many options for suffering from this disease.
THE TRUTH
Only in 5-10% of cancer cases is there a genetic predisposition. And there are another 20% of cases whose cause is unknown.
What does protect you
What does protect you
Do not smoke and do not expose yourself to potentially carcinogenic chemicals. Around 80% of cases are due to the action of external agents (tobacco, pollution …), which act on the body and increase the risk of getting sick. Do you want to know your risk? Take our test.
Shark cartilage cures some cancers
Shark cartilage cures some cancers
THE MYTH
It is believed that it can prevent the development of tumors in humans because there is a legend that these animals do not suffer from cancer.
THE TRUTH
"No study has shown that it is an effective method of treatment, although its claim has caused harm in these animals." In addition, shark specimens with tumors have been captured and in some cases they even affected the cartilage.
What does protect you
What does protect you
Consume blue fish or nuts, rich in omega 3 acids. Animal studies have shown that they slow the growth of tumor cells and improve the response to chemotherapy.
Walking 30 minutes a day protects you
Walking 30 minutes a day protects you
THE MYTH
An exercise as simple as walking briskly for 30 minutes a day helps prevent cancer.
THE TRUTH
It is true. As Dr. Javier Puente Vázquez explains, "having healthy lifestyle habits, exercising, eating a healthy diet, etc., are really the best recommendations to prevent cancer."
Being positive reduces risk
Being positive reduces risk
THE MYTH
A cheerful and optimistic attitude towards life reduces the chances that a tumor will appear.
THE TRUTH
According to the clinical psychologist Cristina Brunel, "to date there is not enough scientific evidence to be able to affirm that there is a direct relationship between positive psychological states and the biology of cancer". That is, for now it has not been shown that optimism reduces the risk of suffering from this disease or of dying from it.
What protects
What protects
Studies show that it may be more important to cope with cancer in the way you are used to dealing with other problems. If the way to deal with it is by complaining, venting your temper could be the factor that helps reduce stress levels, strengthen the immune system, and perhaps lead to successful cancer treatment.
Sodium bicarbonate
Sodium bicarbonate
THE MYTH
Some claim that the cancer is caused by an infection caused by the Candida fungus and that it is cured with an injection of baking soda.
THE TRUTH
This theory has no scientific backing.
Coffee and cannabis
Coffee and cannabis
THE MYTH
Many different natural treatments for cancer circulate online, such as cannabis or coffee enemas.
THE TRUTH
These treatments have no scientific basis.
Medicinal plants
Medicinal plants
THE MYTH
Some studies say that medicinal plants may help relieve symptoms and side effects of cancer and treatment.
THE TRUTH
There is no known effective herbal product for treating cancer.
We all know people who have suffered from this terrible disease. Some have been able to overcome it; others, unfortunately, not. Cancer touches us all very closely. And that is scary. And fear is the favorite food of myths, urban legends and false rumors.
Real or fake?
In order to separate what is real and effective from what is not, and which can even be dangerous or a scam, we have interviewed two experts in oncology and psychoncology in order to put the myths that are circulating to the test. In our gallery of images you can find all their answers and we assure you that you will get more than one surprise.
Two experts answer your questions
The experts who have advised us on this issue are:
- Dr. Javier Puente Vázquez. Scientific Secretary of the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) and medical oncologist of the Hospital Universitario Clínico San Carlos de Madrid. Expert in lung and urological cancer.
- Dr. Cristina Brunel Montaner. Clinical psychologist at the Institut Oncològic Baselga (IOB). Chiron Hospital. Barcelona.
You can calculate your risk
If cancer scares you, you can start by calculating your risk of suffering it with our test and thus know everything you can do to avoid it. And, as you can see in our gallery of images, 80% of cancer cases are due to external factors –not genetic–, such as lifestyle habits, diet, pollution … The good news is that in those factors you can make many decisions and protect yourself more and better from cancer. What you eat, how you eat it, what you cook it with, what you drink, smoke or not smoke, are decisions that are in your hand. If you want to know how to protect yourself from cancer, do not miss our guide to prevent cancer.
Text: Álex Rufí
