Blogs

Cancer Myth Busters: Separating Fact from Fiction

In India, cancer is often shrouded in myths that fuel fear, delay diagnosis and treatment initiation, and stop people from seeking the right care. Misbeliefs—like cancer being a curse or invariably fatal—thrive in communities where awareness is low and stigma is high.

A study conducted by Ajith and colleagues, published in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care (2023), delved into the various myths, attitudes and beliefs related to cancer among rural inhabitants of Tamil Nadu. The study demonstrated that most participants felt that tobacco cannot cause cancer. Some also believed that cancer, like an infection, would spread to other family members, which could lead to the isolation of cancer patients, impeding care and treatment.1

At M I O I C, we’re committed to closing the cancer care gap by breaking down these barriers with facts.

Welcome to Cancer Myth Busters, a series of blogs designed to tackle myths head-on. We’ll debunk common misconceptions, explore myths about cancer treatment, and focus on prevention and lifestyle.

Let’s start busting myths with the truth!

Myth 1: Cancer Is Always a Death Sentence

Many people believe that a cancer diagnosis means the end. This fear keeps patients from visiting doctors, thinking there’s no hope.

Fact: Cancer is not always fatal. With early detection and modern treatments, many types—like breast, cervical, and oral cancer—can be cured or managed effectively. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that early diagnosis can improve survival rates significantly, with some cancers having over 90% cure rates when caught early. At our clinics, we’ve seen countless patients thrive after treatment, proving cancer isn’t a guaranteed death sentence.2

Myth 2: Cancer Is Contagious

A common tale is that cancer spreads like the flu—through touch, sharing food, or even breathing near someone with it. This myth isolates patients, adding shame to their struggle.

Fact: Cancer is not contagious. It develops from changes in a person’s own cells, often due to factors like genetics, tobacco, or viruses like HPV. The American Cancer Society (ACS) confirms that you can’t “catch” cancer from anyone like an airborne or a waterborne infection. Hugging, eating together, or caring for a loved one is perfectly safe. Let’s replace isolation with support!3

Myth 3: Only Old People Get Cancer

There’s a belief that cancer only strikes the elderly, so younger people tend to ignore symptoms, thinking they’re too young to worry.

Fact: Cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age. While it’s more common in older adults, cases in younger people are rising. For example, cervical cancer linked to HPV often hits women in their 30s or 40s, and leukemia is highly prevalent among children. Studies show that lifestyle factors, genetics, and infections can trigger cancer at any age. Ignoring symptoms because of your age could delay life-saving care—so stay vigilant, no matter how young you are!4

Why This Matters?

These myths aren’t just harmless stories—they stop people from getting screened, seeking treatment, or supporting loved ones. At M I O I C, we’re fighting this misinformation with education and accessible care.

By busting myths in this series, we hope to empower you with facts that save lives.

Stay tuned for Series 2, where we’ll tackle treatment myths like “chemo is worse than cancer itself.”

It is time to replace fear with knowledge and build a cancer-aware India!

Dr. Kiran Tamkhane
DNB (Internal Medicine) DrNb (Medical Oncology)
Speciality- Medical and Hemato-Oncologist.
MOC Cancer Care & Research Centre, Thane .