Microwave, deodorants, sugar: Cancer myths oncologist wants you to stop believing

Oncologist Dr. Harit Chaturvedi addresses common cancer myths. He says early diagnosis and evidence-based treatment remain crucial in the midst of misinformation via social media.

In Short

• Doctors say social media misinformation often delays diagnosis and proper treatment
• Family history explains only a small share of breast cancer cases
• Persistent symptoms lasting over two to three weeks need medical assessment

From avoiding sugar completely to fearing microwaves and mammograms, cancer is surrounded by myths that continue to create panic and confusion among people.

Doctors say misinformation, especially on social media, is often leading patients to ignore symptoms, delay diagnosis or believe in unproven remedies.

Speaking during Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Harit Chaturvedi, Chief Executive Officer and Clinical Head, Oncology Network , Apollo Hospitals, addressed some of the most common fears and misconceptions around cancer, while stressing the importance of early diagnosis and evidence-based treatment.

FAMILY HISTORY IS NOT THE ONLY REASON

Many people believe that if cancer does not run in the family, they are completely safe from the disease. But Dr. Chaturvedi said everyone carries some level of cancer risk.

“All of us have a risk for cancer. Like all other diseases, we are also prone to malignancies, and therefore one has to be really alert,” he said.

While certain cancers may have a genetic link, family history accounts for only a small percentage of cases in some cancers like breast cancer.

“In breast cancer, we see about 5% incidence of genetic and familial background. That is only 5%, mind you. Ninety-five per cent still will not have a family history and no genetic association,” Dr. Chaturvedi explained.

He advised people, especially those above 40 years, not to ignore symptoms that persist for more than two to three weeks.

“Any symptom beyond 3 weeks, one should actually look at ruling out malignancy. Brushing things under the carpet clearly won’t help,” he said.

DOES SUGAR FEED CANCER?

One of the most common beliefs among patients is that sugar directly “feeds” cancer and should be completely avoided during treatment or recovery.

Dr. Chaturvedi clarified that all cells in the body, both healthy and unhealthy, use sugar and carbohydrates for energy.

“All cells live on sugar or carbs. All cells, healthy, unhealthy,” he said.

According to him, the real concern is an unhealthy, unbalanced diet that is excessively high in sugar, fats and refined carbohydrates.

“A healthy diet, a balanced diet should include significant protein, fibres and other factors. Sugar is not to be banned or avoided for cancer patients. Sugar is safe and sugar can be taken in appropriate proportions,” he added.

DO MICROWAVES AND DEODORANTS CAUSE CANCER?

The oncologist also dismissed fears surrounding microwaves, deodorants and cooking near stoves, which are often linked to cancer in viral messages online.

“There’s no evidence to support that microwave causes cancer,” Dr. Chaturvedi said.

He added that while highly processed and preserved foods may not be ideal for health, microwaves themselves are not linked to increased cancer risk.

“A healthy, fresh food is good. Microwave per se does not lead to any increased incidence of cancer,” he said.

On deodorants and social media-driven fears, Dr. Chaturvedi warned against blindly believing misinformation online.

“There’s a whole WhatsApp university out there which carries lots of misinformation. Deodorants do not have any association with malignancy,” he said.

“If we listen to everything, we’ll gradually stop living. I think a healthy, balanced approach to life is very important,” he added.

DO NATURAL REMEDIES CURE CANCER?

Dr. Chaturvedi also addressed claims that natural therapies alone can cure cancer.

“There’s very little or rather no scientific evidence that I’m aware of which is adequate to treat cancer,” he said.

He explained that modern cancer treatment in allopathy is based on scientific evidence, clinical trials and proven medical protocols.

CANCER SYMPTOMS ARE VAGUE

One of the biggest reasons behind late cancer diagnosis in India, according to Dr. Chaturvedi, is that people wait for dramatic or severe symptoms before seeking help.

“Unfortunately, 70% of people come with delayed diagnosis,” he said.

He explained that cancer often develops quietly and may not always cause pain in the early stages.

“There’s no unique symptom of cancer. Cancer has very vague symptoms,” he said.

Symptoms can vary depending on the organ affected, tumour location and biology of the disease. Persistent symptoms that do not improve should always be checked. Anything beyond 2–3 weeks which is not self-limiting must be assessed, must be seen by a doctor.

He also clarified that pain is not among the most common early signs of cancer.

Doctors usually confirm diagnosis through clinical examination followed by imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scans, MRI or PET scans, and finally a biopsy if cancer is suspected.

OVARIAN CANCER DOESN'T ALWAYS AFFECT PERIODS

Speaking about ovarian cancer, Dr. Chaturvedi explained why the disease is often detected late, even in younger women.

“The ovary lies in the pelvis. Pelvis is a good space where the tumour keeps growing slowly without any warning,” he said.

He noted that many women wrongly assume regular periods mean there is no problem.

Instead, ovarian cancer may present with vague symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, bloating, fullness of the stomach or reduced appetite.

“These vague things happen, but not specifically related to anything to do with ovary,” he added.

MAMMOGRAMS DO NOT SPREAD CANCER

Another common fear among women is that mammograms may spread or cause cancer because of radiation exposure.

Dr. Chaturvedi dismissed this concern, saying modern digital imaging uses extremely low radiation doses.

“To imagine that mammogram will cause cancer or lead to spread of cancer is too much of an imagination,” he said.

“Modern imaging is a different world altogether. The exposures or doses are very less and therefore the side effects are negligible, almost zero,” he added.

One cannot deny that awareness, regular screenings and paying attention to persistent symptoms remain the key to early diagnosis and better cancer outcomes.

- Ends