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Is Cancer Contagious? Busting Common Myths About Cancer
By Raveena M Prakash
When people hear the word ‘cancer’ for the first time, fear and uncertainty start to creep into their minds. One of the most common misconceptions and questions people will ask is : ‘Is cancer contagious?’ It’s a common concern that arises from misunderstanding and fear, and it's time to clear the air! Here’s the answer to the question: cancer is not contagious. People cannot catch cancer from another person, the way most people get a cold or the flu.
In this blog, we’ll discover more about cancer and we’ll clear some of the biggest myths about how cancer spreads!
Can cancer spread from one person to another?
Cancer starts to develop in a person when the abnormal cells in the body grow uncontrollably and start to develop tumors. These cells start to originate in a body, not caught from someone else you have been in contact with.
This simply means that you cannot get cancer by:
- Physical contact such as hugging, kissing, or touching a person with cancer
- Sharing the foods, drinks, and utensils
- Breathing the same air or staying in the same proximity
Note: The doctors, nurses, and caregivers who work in cancer care closely with cancer patients are not at risk of getting cancer.
The connection between infection and cancer risk
Cancer isn’t contagious, while there are some infections linked to cancer that can spread between people. These infections don't cause cancer directly, but can increase the risk of it developing over time.
Here are few examples:
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV is commonly transmitted from an infected person through sexual contact, which can lead to cervical, throat, and anal cancers. Vaccinations and safe sexual practices can prevent most HPV-related cancers.
Hepatitis B and C
These types of viruses can spread through practicing unprotected sex, sharing used needles, or unscreened blood transfusions. Chronic infections can damage the liver and increase the risk of liver cancer in people.
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
This is a bacterium, which often spreads through any type of contaminated food or water, that can cause long-term stomach inflammation and potentially lead to stomach cancer (gastric cancer).
Epstein- Barr virus (EBV)
This is a virus, typically spread through saliva and oropharyngeal secretions, usually known for causing mononucleosis, that has also been linked to certain types of lymphomas and nasopharyngeal cancer, although these types of cancer are rare to occur.
Common myths about cancer
Here are some of the biggest myths about cancer, including :
Myth 1: People can catch cancer by being around someone who has it.
Fact: This is absolutely false; cancer doesn’t spread from person to person. The only thing you can catch from someone with cancer is willpower and resilience to stand alone and fight back with inspiration.
Myth 2: Cancer is always genetic
Fact: While some cancer can pass to families due to inherited gene mutations, while most cancers are caused and influenced by lifestyle factors such as extreme alcohol consumption, smoking, diet, radiation exposure, and some viral infections, but not genetics alone.
Myth 3: Performing cancer surgery can spread the disease.
Fact: It's one of the biggest myths regarding cancer treatment. Advances in surgical procedures ensure that removing tumors and their growths does not cause cancer to spread. In fact, surgery can often be considered a crucial step towards a cure.
Myth 4: Cancer only affects people with smoking habits or elderly people
Fact: Smoking habits and an increase in age are considered as risk factors, while regardless of age and lifestyle factors can also cause cancer development in people. However, people with healthy habits, regular health screenings and cancer awareness less risk of developing this disease.
Myth 5: Alternative cancer treatments can replace medical care
Fact: Complementary treatments or therapies like meditation, yoga, or diet changes can support the recovery process. While they should never replace evidence based treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, suggested by an experienced oncologist.
Why awareness and cancer education matters?
Misinformation about cancer can create more fear, shame, and stigma that prevent people with cancer from seeking help in the early stages. Learning more facts about cancer can replace fear with awareness. Proper information helps support those with cancer instead of isolating them with the thinking that they are contagious.
Promoting cancer education, early detection, vaccination like HPV and hepatitis vaccines, and regular medical checkups, which can drastically reduce the risk of developing cancer and improve the treatment outcomes.
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Cancer is not contagious; it cannot be transferred from one person to another through physical touch, contact, or proximity. Here's a twist: If you are someone with risk factors such as a family history of cancer, it can make cancer development happen, but not with any physical touch or contact. Cancer awareness and its prevention are considered the wisest things people can do to avoid the risk of developing this deadly disease.
Instead of freaking out about cancer spreading from the cancer patients, let's stand beside them and offer sympathy, understand their cancer journey, show them compassion, and offer support! When it comes to cancer, what truly spreads is love, which heals cancer. Try to show some kindness and compassion through empathy and emotional support.
At Oncare, we offer premium-quality cancer treatments, including advanced cancer surgeries at an affordable price range with an experienced cancer specialist consultation.
If you or any loved ones of yours are diagnosed with cancer, then visit Oncare Cancer Center and book an appointment with our experienced cancer specialist today! Get an estimated cost of your cancer treatments today!
Frequently Asked Questions
No, this is a myth. Many studies have shown that cancer thrives on sugar is not true. While a high consumption of sugar can increase the risk factors such as obesity and other risk factors like diabetes.
No, there’s no constant evidence that showcases cell phones cause cancer. Cell phones emit low-energy, non-ionizing radiofrequency radiation, which is not strong enough to damage DNA and cause cancer, unlike high-energy ionizing radiation like X-rays.
No, cancer is not always painful. Many studies have shown that many people with cancer won’t experience pain, while others experience pain due to the tumor itself, its advanced stage, or as a side effects of treatments as well.
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