Myths and Truths About the Cause of Cancer
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There seems to be a lot of myths and truths floating around the Internet in terms of what we know causes cancer. To acquire accurate information about important topics such as the cause of cancer, always look at the source and the general consensus from several reliable sources. Lets examine some of the myths and truths about the cause of cancer.
Myth:
Cancer is caused by Artificial Sweeteners
Extensive research has been done and this research has indicated that artificial sweeteners are not cancer causing agents. An older artificial sweeteners called cyclamate was banned back in 1969 because it was thought to be linked to bladder cancer. Later studies have shown that there is no link between cyclamate and bladder cancer, although today it still remains banned. Studies have clearly shown that the popular sweetner aspartame does not cause cancer.
Myth:
Cancer is Caused by Fluoridation of Water
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention officially stated that there is no evidence to support the link between water fluoridation and cancer. Approximately one-half of the drinking water in the United States is fluoridated. Fluoridation of water does help in the prevention of tooth decay.
Myth:
Cancer is Caused by Deodorants
Scientific evidence indicates that cancer is not caused by the use of deodorants. False information in terms of deodorants being the cause of cancer have been floating around the Internet lately. The FDA and the NIH have supported studies which show that there is no link between deodorants and cancer.
Myth:
Cancer Can be Curred by Using Coral Calcium
The Federal Trade Commission has taken legal action against the individuals who are marketing this as a cure for cancer. There is currently no scientific evidence which supports their claim. Remember for a claim to be supported, there most be many studies that support the claim and the evidence must be more then antidotal.
Reality:
Cancer Has Many Causes
This is true. Many studies have shown that cancer has many causes. Because their are over 200 different types of cancer, their is no single causative factor for the cause of cancer. For example, we know that smoking can cause lung cancer and excessive sun exposure can cause skin cancer. But smoking does not cause skin cancer and excessive sun exposure does not cause lung cancer. Because there are many types of cancer, studies are showing that there are many causes. We do know that there are groups of agents or causative factors that seem to contribute to an increase probability of developing cancer.
Exposure to carcinogens, age, genetic make up, diet, immune system compromise, and certain viruses have shown to play a role in the development of cancer. To what degree has DNA damage taken place is the key question. Also, day to day environmental exposure to tobacco smoke, the sun, natural and man made radiation, work place hazards, and asbestos seem to be determinants as to the probability of developing cancer.
Closing Thoughts
I have presented some of the myths and truths about the cause of cancer. The technologically advanced world that we live in really presents a two edged sword. On one hand we need advanced medical technology in order to treat and cure cancer. But technology also results in increased exposure to cancer causing agents. There are many real world examples which show this to be the case.
Look at asbestos. Asbestos is fibrous silicate mineral popular in manufacturing and industry due to its strength, chemical and thermal stability. It was regarded as an excellent material for fireproofing and insulation. At the time asbestos was discovered, it was thought to be a major technological advancement because of it’s insulating capability.
Today we know asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma. A rare form of carcinoma of the mesothelium lining the lungs, abdomen, or heart. By knowing what the causative factors are in our environment, and what can be done to help repair the DNA damage that has already taken place, we then can be in a position of having a low probability of developing cancer.
