Cancer remains one of the world’s biggest health challenges. In 2020 alone, nearly 1 crore people died due to cancer, with breast, lung, colorectal, prostate and stomach cancers among the most commonly diagnosed. Every year, around 4 lakh children develop cancer, and in 23 countries, cervical cancer remains the most common cancer among women.
Yet, despite rising numbers, misinformation continues to shape public understanding. From viral forwards to everyday advice, cancer myths often spread faster than scientific facts, sometimes also affecting prevention, early detection and treatment decisions.
A 2025 study highlights this gap. Researchers assessed 747 participants and found that while awareness of proven cancer risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity was moderate, belief in myths remained high. The study notes that “low public awareness of evidence-based risk factors and common cancer myths hamper prevention efforts.”
With this in mind, here are the top five cancer myths you must stop believing.
Myth #1: Cancer is a contagious disease
Fact: Cancer is not contagious and cannot spread from one person to another through physical contact, sharing food, or close social interaction. However, some cancers are caused by viruses and bacteria, e.g. Human Papillomavirus (cervical cancer), Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C (liver cancer), Epstein-Barr virus (lymphomas, nasopharyngeal cancers and stomach cancer) or Helicobacter pylori bacteria (stomach cancer).
Myth #2: No family cancer history means zero cancer risk
Fact: Not having a family history of cancer does not mean you are immune to the disease. According to current data, about 39% of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetime. Most cancers develop due to genetic changes that occur over time, often as a natural result of ageing and exposure to environmental factors such as tobacco smoke and radiation. Lifestyle factors, including diet, physical activity, and eating habits, can also influence the risk of developing cancer.
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Myth #3: Family history automatically means cancer is unavoidable
Fact: “Although having a family history of cancer increases your risk of developing the disease, it is not a definite predictor. Only about 5 to 10 % of cancers are caused by harmful mutations that are inherited from a person’s parents,” ICMR notes.
Myth #4: Elderly people are too old for cancer treatment
Fact: There is no fixed age limit for cancer treatment. Many older adults respond to cancer therapies just as effectively as younger patients. Treatment decisions are based on a person’s overall health, medical condition, and type of cancer, not on age alone. Every patient should receive care that is best suited to their individual health needs, regardless of how old they are.
Myth #5: You cannot live a normal life while undergoing cancer treatment
Fact: Many people undergoing cancer treatment are able to continue their regular daily activities. With advances in medical care, a large number of patients receive treatment on an outpatient basis or require only short hospital stays. Depending on their health and treatment plan, patients may still be able to work part-time or full-time, take care of family responsibilities, and participate in social activities while receiving cancer therapy.
This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS.