We know that there is a lot of information out there about cancer prevention and, unsurprisingly, not all of it is true or accurate. So in this blog, our editorial assistant Faiza is going to separate fact from fiction, and discuss five common myths about cancer prevention.
1. Can eating superfoods prevent me from getting cancer?
There isn't any scientific evidence for any one particular food being a 'superfood'. The greatest benefit to your health is likely to come from eating a balanced diet that includes a wide and varied combination of foods. Instead of looking for a 'superfood', it’s better to aim for a 'superdiet' as recommended in healthy eating guidelines.
2. Can I inherit cancer from someone in my family?
You can’t inherit cancer from someone in your family. However, you can inherit a cancer gene that may increase your risk of developing certain cancers. There are only a few inherited cancer genes that doctors can test for at the moment, including those linked with breast, ovarian, bowel and womb cancers. More research is happening all the time. But having an inherited cancer gene doesn’t mean that you will definitely get cancer. If you are worried about your family history, talk to your GP. You can find out more on our website.
3. Does eating too much sugar feed cancer?
Sugar in your diet doesn't directly increase the risk of cancer, or encourage it to grow. But sugar contains no useful nutrients, apart from energy, and we can get all the energy we need from healthier sources. So it's best to limit the amount of sugar in your diet.
4. Do anti-cancer diets work?
It’s understandable that people may be attracted to diets that seem to offer the hope of a cure. However, there isn’t good evidence that these diets can make a cancer shrink, increase a person’s chance of survival, or cure the disease. Some diets may lack important nutrients or be unbalanced in other ways, and may even be harmful. It can be confusing to be faced with conflicting advice about what to eat, but most doctors and specialist nurses recommend a well-balanced and enjoyable diet.
5. Can dietary supplements reduce the risk of cancer?
Several studies have looked at whether taking supplements can reduce the risk of developing certain cancers. But the results have been disappointing, and in general the evidence is that taking supplements doesn't reduce the risk of cancer. There is even evidence that taking high doses of some supplements can increase the risk of cancer developing in some people.
It’s possible that some supplements may interfere with how cancer treatments work, and make them less effective. So if you're currently having treatment for cancer, it’s important to get advice from your cancer specialist before taking any supplements. They can advise you about which, if any, you should take, and which doses might be suitable for you.
You can find out more information and tips about how diet can help reduce your risk of cancer in the video below.
For more information on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, visit our website. You can also order information in booklet, audio, or other formats here.
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The Macmillan team is here to help. Our cancer support specialists can answer your questions, offer support, or simply listen if you need a chat. Call us free on 0808 808 00 00.
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