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Does air cause cancer to spread?
No, air does not cause cancer to spread. This is an untruth that continues to spread like wildfire. The TRUTH is that cancer spreads when a) it goes undiagnosed or untreated or b) when it does not respond to treatment. This myth most likely started before there were advanced imaging studies like CAT scans, PET scans and MR imaging (MRI). These studies now give us a pretty good idea about how much cancer is present in organs like the lungs, liver, brain and abdominal cavity without having to go to surgery. Previously, surgeons would take patients to the operating room and would frequently be surprised by how much cancer was present. Was the cancer there before surgery? Yes, it was. Did “air make the cancer spread”? It did not.
Why is it so important to get the truth out about “air and cancer”? There are patients who refuse potentially curative surgery because they are afraid of the effects of air on cancer. Spread the word: AIR DOES NOT CAUSE CANCER SPREAD.
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Does deodorant increase the risk of breast cancer?
No, there is no definite data to support a link between breast cancer and deodorant. The concern about breast cancer risk is largely due to the presence of paraben and aluminum in deodorants and anti-perspirants. Paraben is a preservative that can act like the female hormone estrogen. Estrogen is a natural hormone linked to normal sexual development. In high amounts, however, estrogen can increase breast cancer risk.
The second reason that questions have been raised about deodorant and a link to breast cancer is because many breast cancers occur in the upper outer part of the breast—near the armpits. Studies have been done to see if there is an association between breast cancer and deodorant, but unfortunately, none of them have been very good. The best answer is that there are no strong facts to support the claim that aluminum or paraben containing deodorants increase the risk of breast cancer. For those who are not convinced, there are natural deodorants that are paraben and aluminum-free. A bit more costly? Yes. As effective? Let your friends and family be the judge.
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Many people in my family have had cancer, so surely, I will too.
Not so! Cancer risk is based on several factors. Family history will play a part, but it is not the only factor. It is helpful to break cancer risk into modifiable (I can control) and non-modifiable (I cannot control) risk factors.
Modifiable risk factors: Diet, weight and social habits like smoking and alcohol use are factors that we can control. Studies show that when we keep our weight in a healthy range with a body mass index (BMI) of 18.5-24.9, it lowers our risk for cancer. It stands to reason then that a healthy diet rich in fruits and veggies with less concentrated sugars and sweets is the way to go. Likewise, getting at least 150 minutes per week of exercise is key. Check out your BMI at https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov>lose_wt.
In terms of alcohol use, less is best. For women, no more than one alcoholic beverage per day. That translates to 5 ounces of wine (red is better from a health standpoint), 12 ounces of beer or 1.5 ounces of liquor. For men under the age of 65, no more than two alcoholic beverages per day. The bottom line: Anything above this is considered excessive drinking and can increase the risk of certain cancers like breast, throat, esophageal, liver and pancreatic.
Nonmodifiable risk factors: Age, sex, and genetics are risk factors that we cannot change. For example, it is known that the risk of breast cancer increases with age and if family members are affected by breast cancer. Additionally, women are much more likely to get breast cancer than men. These are risk factors that we cannot change.
Dr. Katisha Vance is a triple board-certified internist, hematologist and medical oncologist. She is a nationally recognized author, speaker, consultant and sought-after media expert in the area of cancer medicine. As the Founder of Cancer Solutions, LLC, Dr. Katisha promotes actionable ideas and real-world strategies to empower patients take control of their health from cancer diagnosis through treatment. Her mission is simple: empower with knowledge, empower for positive change.
Follow Dr. Katisha on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @DrKatisha.
