There are still many myths circulating on the internet regarding numerous activities and objects that pose a risk to our health due to their supposed carcinogenic components. However, these are true urban legends that do not help prevent or treat this terrible disease and only create more confusion.
What does science say regarding these supposed habits and objects that we traditionally identify with cancer? Click to find out!
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Surgery can cause further spread of cancer
According to the US National Cancer Institute, “the chance that surgery will cause the cancer to spread to other parts of the body is extremely low.”
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breast lesions
An injury to the breast can cause bruising, swelling, or even a lump known as fat necrosis, but it will never cause breast cancer. For this to happen, your DNA would have to undergo a genetic mutation.
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X-rays
Exposure to a single x-ray or other type of imaging is unlikely to be harmful. Of course, too many exposures might increase the risk of developing cancer.
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Abortion
The research is inconclusive, but according to the American Cancer Society, “at this time, the scientific community does not support the notion that abortion increases the risk of breast cancer or any other type of cancer.”
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genetically modified food
Contrary to what the vast majority of the population believes, there is no scientific evidence that genetically modified foods cause cancer.
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Cell phones
The radiofrequency radiation emitted by cell phones is not capable of damaging our DNA or causing genetic mutations (ie cancer).
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Artificial sweeteners
While there are links between some of these artificial sweeteners and bladder cancer in laboratory animals, they have not been shown to cause cancer in humans. However, artificial sweeteners pose other health risks, primarily related to obesity.
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electricity turrets
According to the US National Cancer Institute, “Walls and other objects easily block electrical energy from turrets and repeaters. On the other hand, magnetic energy emitted by power lines is a form of low-frequency radiation that does not harm genes”.
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deodorants
They do not cause breast cancer, as many people fear. At least there is no scientific evidence to say so. Of course, we must take care of the ingredients that these products contain.
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Too toasty bread
According to the British institution Cancer Research UK, eating burnt toast will not increase the risk of cancer.
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mercury fillings
While excess mercury isn’t good for your brain, these dental fillings are usually laced with silver, tin, and copper, so they don’t pose a real cancer risk.
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Sugar
Sugar is one of the worst enemies of our diet, it is true, but it is due to its close relationship with obesity and not with a possible increased risk of cancer.
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Toothpaste
Many people are concerned that the triclosan used in some toothpastes (and also in some hand soaps) may cause cancer. That is flatly false.
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hair coloring
Some studies have pointed to a certain link between the use of hair dyes and some types of cancer. However, more studies are needed and there are many variables that must be addressed when evaluating this possible increased risk.
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dairy
There is no scientific evidence to confirm that drinking milk or consuming other dairy products can cause cancer.
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The wax on the apples
Farmers often cover apples with wax to increase the shelf life of the produce and make the produce look more appetizing. We must make it clear that this does not cause cancer.
However, any pesticide trapped under the wax might pose a serious risk to your health, so be sure to wash your apples thoroughly before eating them.
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Candy canes
It is true that candy canes contain titanium dioxide, a potential carcinogen that is used as a bleaching agent. However, the levels of titanium dioxide in candy canes are so low that we can safely consume this product. Mind you, candy canes also contain red dye 40 (also a potential carcinogen). The use of this dye is regulated by the government, so the levels are safe.
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The car’s air conditioner
The rumor that turning on the car’s air conditioner will cause the spread of benzene, a carcinogenic compound, is quite widespread. However, it is flatly false.
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Boil water for a long time or re-boil it
These actions are said to create harmful chemicals in the water that may cause cancer. However, this is just another myth (and one of the most ridiculous).
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dryer sheets
Unscented wipes appear to be safe. However, scented versions may contain potentially harmful chemicals.
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Drink cold water following meals
The myth has been spread that drinking cold water solidifies fat, which then accumulates in the intestines and causes cancer. This is completely false.
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Use a microwave oven
These appliances heat food with radiofrequency radiation. That energy does not pass through the walls of the device and, of course, does not cause your food to be radioactive.
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Use a microwave oven
Microwaving will not change the chemical or molecular structure of food, so it cannot cause cancer.
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plastic water bottles
A few years ago there was a lot of concern regarding plastic water bottles containing bis adipate, a suspected carcinogen.
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plastic water bottles
However, it is only a myth. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, bis adipate does not cause cancer in humans.
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plastic water bottles
Of course, there are still concerns regarding the levels of bisphenol A in the plastic. Research, so far, has been inconclusive.
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Certain brands of cereal
Some grains may contain glyphosate, a chemical compound used as a herbicide.
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Certain brands of cereal
However, there is no conclusive evidence that glyphosate causes cancer. The health authorities of the different countries have even taken opposing positions.
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Certain brands of cereal
Some brands have limited themselves to remembering that they comply with health regulations.
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Nutella
The European Food Safety Authority suggested in 2016 that refined palm oil might contain carcinogenic compounds. Nutella uses this product in large quantities.
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Nutella
However, palm oil only becomes dangerous when heated above 200°C.
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Editor-in-Chief Prize-winning journalist with over 20 years of international news experience. Alexandra leads the editorial team, ensuring every story meets the highest standards of accuracy and journalistic integrity.
