On cancer genetics, hair loss, and… anti-perspirants
Is cancer hereditary? Does it cause hair loss itself? And will one get it if they use antiperspirant? These, and more, are myths that deserve answers.
If your mom or dad had cancer, will you get cancer too?
Where does the myth come from?
As it is true that some cancers are genetic, cancer survivors are afraid that their children will also face the disease at some point in their future life. The same fear lies also in adults whose parents had faced cancer. However, the truth is different.
The reality behind the myth
The truth is that there is no proof that a child of someone who faced cancer, will definitely develop cancer because of their heredity. Cancers such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer and colorectal cancer are a few of the cancers that can be passed down genetically. If a parent has these cancers, the cancer gene may be passed to their child. If a child inherits the gene, it only raises the likelihood of developing cancer, not guaranteeing a cancer sentence.
Does cancer cause hair loss?
Where does the myth come from?
Cancer treatments often include chemotherapy and radiation therapy. One of the side effects of these treatments is hair loss. As a result, people believe that it is cancer itself that make people lose some or all of their hair. However, this is not true.
The reality behind the myth
People do not loss their hair because they have cancer. Hair loss is a side effect of cancer treatments, like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These treatments aim to attack rapidly growing cancer cells. Unfortunately, they also attack other rapidly growing cells in the body, like those in hair roots. Nonetheless, not everyone treated with chemotherapy or radiation loses their hair and, normally, several weeks after cancer treatment hair grow up again.
Cancer is almost always fatal.
Where does the myth come from?
Yes, unfortunately cancer can cause death. But new breakthroughs in early detection of cancer have made it much more treatable. It is estimated that 40% of cancer patients reach or exceed the five year survivor mark!
The reality behind the myth
What is true is that cancer is not a death sentence. Just think that there are no cancers that have a 100% mortality rate. However, some cancers have lower survival rates, but many cancers have extremely successful treatment rates. And even better, many are even preventable!
Can wearing anti-perspirant and deodorant cause cancer?
Where does the myth come from?
There are many articles in the press and on the Internet suggesting that antiperspirants and deodorant maybe be related to cancer and in particular breast cancer as they contain harmful substances, which can be absorbed through the skin or enter the body.
The reality behind the myth
According to the National Cancer Society, there is no conclusive evidence or research data from recent studies that wearing them can cause breast cancer. This cancer myth is by far one of the most popular among women.
Other sources include about.com