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Myth Busters · By topic

Causes, risk and prevention

కారణాలు, ప్రమాదం, నివారణ

Myths about what causes cancer, who is at risk, screening and prevention.

క్యాన్సర్‌కు కారణాలు, ప్రమాదం ఎవరికి, స్క్రీనింగ్, నివారణ గురించిన అపోహలు.

129 myths from 18 series

Women's cancers

మహిళల క్యాన్సర్లు · 17 myths

Breast cancerNew
Myth #01 · Risk

Only older women get breast cancer?

రొమ్ము క్యాన్సర్ పెద్ద వయసు స్త్రీలకు మాత్రమే వస్తుందా?

Breast cancer becomes more common with age, but younger women can get it too.

Read the facts
Breast cancerNew
Myth #02 · Risk

No family history, so I'm safe?

మా ఇంట్లో ఎవరికీ లేదు, కాబట్టి నాకు రాదా?

Most women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of it.

Read the facts
Breast cancerNew
Myth #03 · Risk

Men can't get breast cancer?

మగవారికి రొమ్ము క్యాన్సర్ రాదా?

Men can get breast cancer. It is rare, but it happens.

Read the facts
Breast cancerNew
Myth #04 · Risk

Small breasts mean lower risk?

రొమ్ములు చిన్నవైతే ప్రమాదం తక్కువా?

Breast size does not affect breast cancer risk.

Read the facts
Breast cancerNew
Myth #05 · Risk

Miracle juice prevents breast cancer?

అద్భుత రసం రొమ్ము క్యాన్సర్‌ను ఆపుతుందా?

No juice, powder or supplement is proven to prevent breast cancer.

Read the facts
Breast cancerNew
Myth #06 · Risk

Sugar feeds cancer?

చక్కెర క్యాన్సర్‌ను పెంచుతుందా?

Cutting out sugar cannot starve a tumour. A healthy weight matters more.

Read the facts
Breast cancerNew
Myth #07 · Risk

Stress causes breast cancer?

మానసిక ఒత్తిడి వల్ల రొమ్ము క్యాన్సర్ వస్తుందా?

Large studies have not shown that stress causes breast cancer.

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Breast cancerNew
Myth #08 · Risk

Bras, deodorants & phones cause breast cancer?

బ్రాలు, డియోడరెంట్లు, ఫోన్ల వల్ల రొమ్ము క్యాన్సర్ వస్తుందా?

Research has found no link between bras, deodorants or phones and breast cancer.

Read the facts
Breast cancerNew
Myth #09 · Risk

Breast cancer is contagious?

రొమ్ము క్యాన్సర్ అంటువ్యాధా?

Breast cancer cannot spread from one person to another.

Read the facts
Video
Breast cancerNew
Myth #12 · Screening

Normal mammogram, safe for life?

మామోగ్రామ్ నార్మల్ వస్తే జీవితాంతం సురక్షితమా?

A normal mammogram is reassuring, not a lifetime guarantee.

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Breast cancerNew
Myth #13 · Screening

Mammogram radiation is dangerous?

మామోగ్రామ్ రేడియేషన్ ప్రమాదకరమా?

A mammogram uses a very low dose of radiation, and its benefit far outweighs the small risk.

Read the facts
Breast cancerNew
Myth #27 · Screening

A breast ultrasound is as good as a mammogram for screening?

పరీక్ష కోసం మామోగ్రామ్ ఎంత మంచిదో రొమ్ము అల్ట్రాసౌండ్ కూడా అంతే మంచిదా?

For women aged 40 and above, the mammogram is the proven screening test. An ultrasound is an add-on for some women, and the first test for a lump in younger women.

Read the facts
Gynaecological cancersNew
Myth #01 · Causes & prevention

Only women with a family history get gynaecological cancer?

కుటుంబంలో క్యాన్సర్ చరిత్ర ఉన్న స్త్రీలకు మాత్రమే స్త్రీ జననేంద్రియాల క్యాన్సర్ వస్తుందా?

Most gynaecological cancers occur in women with no family history. Inherited gene changes, such as BRCA1, BRCA2 and Lynch syndrome, raise the risk of certain types.

Read the facts
Gynaecological cancersNew
Myth #02 · Causes & prevention

Cervical cancer is hereditary?

గర్భాశయ ముఖద్వార క్యాన్సర్ వంశపారంపర్యంగా వస్తుందా?

Almost all cervical cancers are caused by long-lasting infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), not by inherited genes.

Read the facts
Gynaecological cancersNew
Myth #03 · Causes & prevention

HPV infection means a woman will definitely get cervical cancer?

హెచ్‌పీవీ ఇన్‌ఫెక్షన్ ఉంటే స్త్రీకి గర్భాశయ ముఖద్వార క్యాన్సర్ ఖచ్చితంగా వస్తుందా?

Most HPV infections clear on their own. Only long-lasting infection with high-risk types can cause precancerous changes, which develop slowly over years.

Read the facts
Gynaecological cancersNew
Myth #04 · Causes & prevention

HPV vaccination is unnecessary if a girl is healthy?

అమ్మాయి ఆరోగ్యంగా ఉంటే హెచ్‌పీవీ టీకా అవసరం లేదా?

HPV vaccination protects against the main cancer-causing HPV types, and works best when given before any exposure to the virus.

Read the facts
Gynaecological cancersNew
Myth #05 · Causes & prevention

Women who have had the HPV vaccine never need cervical screening?

హెచ్‌పీవీ టీకా వేయించుకున్న స్త్రీలకు గర్భాశయ ముఖద్వార స్క్రీనింగ్ ఎప్పుడూ అవసరం లేదా?

The vaccine doesn't protect against every cancer-causing HPV type, so screening is still needed according to age and national guidelines.

Read the facts
Digestive cancers

జీర్ణ వ్యవస్థ క్యాన్సర్లు · 22 myths

Colorectal cancerNew
Myth #01 · Causes & risk

Colorectal cancer occurs only in elderly people?

పేగు క్యాన్సర్ వయసు మళ్లినవాళ్లకు మాత్రమే వస్తుందా?

The risk rises with age, but colorectal cancer also occurs in younger adults. Cancer diagnosed before 50 is an important and growing concern.

Read the facts
Colorectal cancerNew
Myth #02 · Causes & risk

Only people with a family history get colorectal cancer?

కుటుంబ చరిత్ర ఉన్నవారికి మాత్రమే పేగు క్యాన్సర్ వస్తుందా?

Most colorectal cancers occur in people with no inherited syndrome or strong family history.

Read the facts
Colorectal cancerNew
Myth #03 · Causes & risk

Vegetarians can't get colorectal cancer?

శాకాహారులకు పేగు క్యాన్సర్ రాదా?

A vegetarian diet does not remove the risk. Age, genes, excess weight, inactivity and other factors all contribute.

Read the facts
Colorectal cancerNew
Myth #04 · Causes & risk

Spicy food directly causes colorectal cancer?

కారంగా ఉండే ఆహారం నేరుగా పేగు క్యాన్సర్ తెస్తుందా?

There isn't good evidence that spicy food itself causes colorectal cancer. Processed meat, excess body fat and alcohol have much stronger links.

Read the facts
Colorectal cancerNew
Myth #05 · Causes & risk

If I have no digestive problems, I can't have colorectal cancer?

జీర్ణ సమస్యలు లేకపోతే పేగు క్యాన్సర్ ఉండదా?

Early colorectal cancer and the polyps that can turn into it often cause no symptoms at all.

Read the facts
Colorectal cancerNew
Myth #23 · Causes & risk

Herbal colon cleanses and detox products prevent bowel cancer?

మూలికా పేగు శుభ్రత, డిటాక్స్ ఉత్పత్తులు పేగు క్యాన్సర్‌ను నివారిస్తాయా?

No cleanse, detox powder or enema has been shown to prevent bowel cancer. Proven protection comes from screening tests, removing polyps, physical activity, a healthy weight and a diet rich in fibre.

Read the facts
Colorectal cancerNew
Myth #28 · Causes & risk

When one person in the family has bowel cancer, the others do not need any tests?

కుటుంబంలో ఒకరికి పేగు క్యాన్సర్ వస్తే మిగతావాళ్లకు ఏ పరీక్షలూ అవసరం లేదా?

Brothers, sisters, children and parents of someone with bowel cancer have a higher risk and usually need colonoscopy earlier than others. Some families carry an inherited condition, such as Lynch syndrome, that can be tested for.

Read the facts
Stomach & oesophageal cancerNew
Myth #03 · Stomach cancer

Only people who eat spicy food get stomach cancer?

కారం తినేవాళ్లకు మాత్రమే కడుపు క్యాన్సర్ వస్తుందా?

Spicy food is not an established major cause. H. pylori infection, smoking, certain dietary exposures and family history matter more.

Read the facts
Stomach & oesophageal cancerNew
Myth #04 · Stomach cancer

H. pylori infection always causes stomach cancer?

హెచ్. పైలోరీ ఇన్‌ఫెక్షన్ ఎప్పుడూ కడుపు క్యాన్సర్ తెస్తుందా?

Most people with H. pylori never develop stomach cancer. But it is an established cause, and treating the infection lowers the risk.

Read the facts
Stomach & oesophageal cancerNew
Myth #13 · Oesophageal cancer

Only smokers and people who drink alcohol get oesophageal cancer?

పొగ తాగేవాళ్లకు, మద్యం తాగేవాళ్లకు మాత్రమే అన్నవాహిక క్యాన్సర్ వస్తుందా?

Tobacco and alcohol are important causes of one type, squamous cell carcinoma. Chronic reflux, Barrett's oesophagus and obesity are linked with the other type, adenocarcinoma. Cancer can occur without any of these.

Read the facts
Stomach & oesophageal cancerNew
Myth #14 · Oesophageal cancer

Long-standing acid reflux always turns into cancer?

చాలా కాలంగా ఉన్న ఆమ్ల రిఫ్లక్స్ ఎప్పుడూ క్యాన్సర్‌గా మారుతుందా?

Most people with reflux never develop oesophageal cancer. Barrett's oesophagus increases the risk of one type, but cancer is not inevitable.

Read the facts
Liver cancerNew
Myth #01 · Risk

Only people who drink alcohol get liver cancer?

మద్యం తాగేవాళ్లకు మాత్రమే కాలేయ క్యాన్సర్ వస్తుందా?

Liver cancer can happen in people who have never had a drink. Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, cirrhosis and fatty liver disease are also important causes.

Read the facts
Liver cancerNew
Myth #02 · Risk

Fatty liver is harmless and cannot cause cancer?

ఫ్యాటీ లివర్ ప్రమాదం లేనిది, క్యాన్సర్ తేదా?

Fatty liver can slowly lead to inflammation, scarring, cirrhosis and, in some people, liver cancer. Occasionally, cancer develops even before cirrhosis.

Read the facts
Liver cancerNew
Myth #11 · Risk

If you have hepatitis B but feel completely well, you do not need regular check-ups?

హెపటైటిస్ బీ ఉన్నా పూర్తిగా బాగుంటే, క్రమం తప్పని పరీక్షలు అక్కర్లేదా?

Hepatitis B can quietly damage the liver and cause liver cancer without any symptoms, sometimes even before cirrhosis. Regular check-ups catch problems early.

Read the facts
Liver cancerNew
Myth #12 · Risk

Once hepatitis C is cured, there is no more risk of liver cancer?

హెపటైటిస్ సీ నయమైతే, ఇక కాలేయ క్యాన్సర్ ప్రమాదం లేనట్లేనా?

Curing hepatitis C greatly lowers the risk. But people whose liver was already badly scarred (cirrhosis) still need regular liver scans.

Read the facts
Liver cancerNew
Myth #14 · Risk

Liver cancer cannot be prevented?

కాలేయ క్యాన్సర్‌ను నివారించడం సాధ్యం కాదా?

Many liver cancers can be prevented: hepatitis B vaccination, treating hepatitis B and C, avoiding alcohol and keeping a healthy weight all lower the risk.

Read the facts
Liver cancerNew
Myth #20 · Risk

Liver cancer can spread to family members who live or eat together?

కలిసి ఉండే, కలిసి తినే కుటుంబ సభ్యులకు కాలేయ క్యాన్సర్ అంటుకుంటుందా?

Cancer itself does not pass from person to person. But hepatitis B, a common cause of liver cancer, can spread within families, so family members should be tested and vaccinated.

Read the facts
Pancreatic cancerNew
Myth #01 · Causes & risk

Pancreatic cancer occurs only in elderly people?

క్లోమ క్యాన్సర్ వయసు మళ్లినవాళ్లకు మాత్రమే వస్తుందా?

The risk rises steeply with age, but younger adults can also develop pancreatic cancer, particularly when there is an inherited tendency.

Read the facts
Pancreatic cancerNew
Myth #02 · Causes & risk

Only people who smoke or drink alcohol get pancreatic cancer?

పొగ తాగేవాళ్లకు, మద్యం తాగేవాళ్లకు మాత్రమే క్లోమ క్యాన్సర్ వస్తుందా?

Smoking is an established cause. Chronic pancreatitis, excess weight, diabetes and inherited factors also contribute, and many patients have no obvious risk factor.

Read the facts
Pancreatic cancerNew
Myth #03 · Causes & risk

Pancreatic cancer is always hereditary?

క్లోమ క్యాన్సర్ ఎప్పుడూ వంశపారంపర్యమేనా?

Most pancreatic cancers are not inherited. About 5 to 10% are linked to inherited gene changes, though estimates vary.

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Pancreatic cancerNew
Myth #04 · Causes & risk

Diabetes and pancreatic cancer are completely unrelated?

షుగర్ వ్యాధికీ క్లోమ క్యాన్సర్‌కూ అసలు సంబంధం లేదా?

Long-standing type 2 diabetes is linked with a higher risk. New diabetes after 50, especially with unexplained weight loss, can occasionally be an early sign of pancreatic cancer.

Read the facts
Pancreatic cancerNew
Myth #05 · Causes & risk

Every pancreatic cyst will eventually become cancer?

ప్రతి క్లోమ తిత్తీ చివరకు క్యాన్సర్‌గా మారుతుందా?

Many pancreatic cysts are benign or have a low chance of becoming cancer. The risk depends on the cyst's type, size, connection to the pancreatic duct and other features on scans.

Read the facts
Head, neck and chest

తల, మెడ, ఛాతీ క్యాన్సర్లు · 20 myths

Head and neck cancerNew
Myth #01 · Causes & risk

Only smokers get mouth and throat cancer?

పొగ తాగేవాళ్లకు మాత్రమే నోటి, గొంతు క్యాన్సర్ వస్తుందా?

Chewing tobacco, areca nut, alcohol and the HPV virus are also important causes. Some people have no known risk factor at all.

Read the facts
Head and neck cancerNew
Myth #02 · Causes & risk

Chewing tobacco is safer than smoking cigarettes?

సిగరెట్ తాగడం కంటే పొగాకు నమలడం సురక్షితమా?

Gutka, khaini, zarda and other smokeless tobacco products greatly increase the risk of mouth cancer.

Read the facts
Head and neck cancerNew
Myth #03 · Causes & risk

Pan masala without tobacco is completely safe?

పొగాకు లేని పాన్ మసాలా పూర్తిగా సురక్షితమా?

Areca nut (supari) causes cancer on its own, even without tobacco. It also causes oral submucous fibrosis, a condition that can turn into mouth cancer.

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Head and neck cancerNew
Myth #04 · Causes & risk

Head and neck cancers happen only in elderly people?

తల, మెడ క్యాన్సర్లు వయసు మళ్లినవాళ్లకు మాత్రమే వస్తాయా?

These cancers become more common with age, but younger adults can get them too, including HPV-related throat cancers.

Read the facts
Head and neck cancerNew
Myth #05 · Causes & risk

If I stop chewing tobacco, my cancer risk becomes zero straight away?

పొగాకు నమలడం మానేస్తే వెంటనే క్యాన్సర్ ప్రమాదం సున్నా అవుతుందా?

Quitting lowers your future risk, but some extra risk can remain for years. Regular mouth checks are still important, especially if you already have patches.

Read the facts
Head and neck cancerNew
Myth #25 · Causes & risk

Once mouth or throat cancer is diagnosed, there is no point stopping tobacco?

నోటి లేదా గొంతు క్యాన్సర్ నిర్ధారణ అయిన తర్వాత పొగాకు మానేసినా లాభం లేదా?

Stopping tobacco and areca nut after diagnosis helps treatment work, reduces side effects and lowers the risk of a second cancer.

Read the facts
Head and neck cancerNew
Myth #31 · Causes & risk

HPV throat cancer means my partner was unfaithful, and my partner will get cancer too?

హెచ్‌పీవీ గొంతు క్యాన్సర్ వచ్చిందంటే నా భాగస్వామి నమ్మకద్రోహం చేశారని, వారికీ క్యాన్సర్ వస్తుందని అర్థమా?

HPV is very common and usually caught many years before a cancer appears, so it cannot tell when or from whom it came. Long-term partners have not been found to be at higher risk, and the cancer itself does not spread from person to person.

Read the facts
Lung cancerNew
Myth #01 · Causes & risk

Only smokers get lung cancer?

సిగరెట్ తాగేవాళ్లకు మాత్రమే ఊపిరితిత్తుల క్యాన్సర్ వస్తుందా?

Lung cancer also occurs in people who have never smoked. Second-hand smoke, air pollution, cooking smoke, workplace exposures and family history can all play a part.

Read the facts
Lung cancerNew
Myth #02 · Causes & risk

Women rarely get lung cancer?

స్త్రీలకు ఊపిరితిత్తుల క్యాన్సర్ అరుదుగా వస్తుందా?

Lung cancer affects both women and men. One type, adenocarcinoma, is an important cancer in women who have never smoked.

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Lung cancerNew
Myth #03 · Causes & risk

If I stop smoking, my lung cancer risk becomes zero straight away?

పొగ మానేయగానే ఊపిరితిత్తుల క్యాన్సర్ ప్రమాదం వెంటనే సున్నా అవుతుందా?

Quitting lowers your risk steadily over the years, but former smokers can stay at higher risk for a long time.

Read the facts
Lung cancerNew
Myth #04 · Causes & risk

Only elderly people get lung cancer?

వయసు మళ్లినవాళ్లకు మాత్రమే ఊపిరితిత్తుల క్యాన్సర్ వస్తుందా?

Lung cancer is more common with age, but younger adults can get it too, including people who have never smoked.

Read the facts
Lung cancerNew
Myth #05 · Causes & risk

Air pollution cannot cause lung cancer?

గాలి కాలుష్యం వల్ల ఊపిరితిత్తుల క్యాన్సర్ రాదా?

Outdoor air pollution and smoke from burning fuels at home are established causes of lung cancer.

Read the facts
Lung cancerNew
Myth #21 · Causes & risk

Bidis are safer than cigarettes because they are small and natural?

బీడీలు చిన్నవి, సహజమైనవి కాబట్టి సిగరెట్ల కంటే సురక్షితమా?

Bidis are not safer. They deliver as much or more tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide as cigarettes and cause lung, mouth and throat cancers.

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Lung cancerNew
Myth #22 · Causes & risk

Hookah and e-cigarettes are harmless alternatives to smoking?

హుక్కా, ఈ-సిగరెట్లు పొగ తాగడానికి హాని లేని ప్రత్యామ్నాయాలా?

Neither is harmless. A hookah session delivers large amounts of smoke and toxins, and e-cigarettes contain addictive nicotine and chemicals whose long-term cancer risk is not known.

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Lung cancerNew
Myth #25 · Causes & risk

Lung cancer can spread to family members who live with the patient?

రోగితో కలిసి ఉండే కుటుంబ సభ్యులకు ఊపిరితిత్తుల క్యాన్సర్ అంటుకుంటుందా?

Lung cancer is not contagious. You cannot catch it by living with, touching, hugging or caring for someone who has it.

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Thyroid cancerNew
Myth #01 · Causes & symptoms

Every thyroid nodule is cancer?

ప్రతి థైరాయిడ్ గడ్డా క్యాన్సరేనా?

Most thyroid nodules are benign. Ultrasound features, risk factors and, when needed, a fine needle aspiration (FNA) decide which nodules need further tests.

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Thyroid cancerNew
Myth #02 · Causes & symptoms

Thyroid cancer occurs only in women?

థైరాయిడ్ క్యాన్సర్ స్త్రీలకు మాత్రమే వస్తుందా?

Thyroid cancer is more common in women, but men can also develop it.

Read the facts
Thyroid cancerNew
Myth #03 · Causes & symptoms

Only elderly people get thyroid cancer?

వయసు మళ్లినవాళ్లకు మాత్రమే థైరాయిడ్ క్యాన్సర్ వస్తుందా?

Papillary thyroid cancer, the most common type, often occurs in young adults, and can occur in children. Risk and outlook vary with age and type.

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Thyroid cancerNew
Myth #04 · Causes & symptoms

An underactive or overactive thyroid automatically leads to thyroid cancer?

థైరాయిడ్ తక్కువగా లేదా ఎక్కువగా పనిచేస్తే ఆటోమేటిక్‌గా థైరాయిడ్ క్యాన్సర్ వస్తుందా?

Thyroid hormone problems do not mean cancer. Most people with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism never develop thyroid cancer.

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Thyroid cancerNew
Myth #05 · Causes & symptoms

A thyroid swelling that doesn't hurt can't be cancer?

నొప్పి లేని థైరాయిడ్ వాపు క్యాన్సర్ కాదా?

Thyroid cancer often appears as a painless nodule. A growing lump, persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing or suspicious neck nodes need a check.

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Urinary and male cancers

మూత్ర వ్యవస్థ, పురుషుల క్యాన్సర్లు · 15 myths

Prostate cancerNew
Myth #01 · Causes & risk

Only very elderly men get prostate cancer?

బాగా వయసు మళ్లిన మగవాళ్లకు మాత్రమే ప్రోస్టేట్ క్యాన్సర్ వస్తుందా?

The risk rises with age, especially after 50, but prostate cancer can also occur in younger men.

Read the facts
Prostate cancerNew
Myth #02 · Causes & risk

If nobody in my family has had prostate cancer, I can't get it?

మా కుటుంబంలో ఎవరికీ ప్రోస్టేట్ క్యాన్సర్ లేకపోతే నాకు రాదా?

Most prostate cancers occur in men with no family history. A family history or an inherited gene change, such as BRCA2, raises the risk.

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Prostate cancerNew
Myth #03 · Causes & risk

Prostate cancer is caused by too much sexual activity or masturbation?

ఎక్కువ లైంగిక చర్య లేదా హస్తప్రయోగం వల్ల ప్రోస్టేట్ క్యాన్సర్ వస్తుందా?

There is no convincing evidence that sexual activity or masturbation causes prostate cancer.

Read the facts
Prostate cancerNew
Myth #04 · Causes & risk

A healthy diet and regular exercise completely prevent prostate cancer?

ఆరోగ్యకరమైన ఆహారం, క్రమం తప్పని వ్యాయామం ప్రోస్టేట్ క్యాన్సర్‌ను పూర్తిగా నివారిస్తాయా?

Healthy habits support overall health, but they cannot eliminate the risk of prostate cancer.

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Prostate cancerNew
Myth #05 · Causes & risk

Prostate cancer is always a fast-growing, fatal disease?

ప్రోస్టేట్ క్యాన్సర్ ఎప్పుడూ వేగంగా పెరిగే, ప్రాణాంతక జబ్బేనా?

Many prostate cancers grow very slowly, while some are aggressive. The outlook depends on the grade, stage, PSA level and other factors.

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Bladder cancerNew
Myth #01 · Causes & risk

Only smokers get bladder cancer?

పొగ తాగేవాళ్లకు మాత్రమే మూత్రాశయ క్యాన్సర్ వస్తుందా?

Smoking is a major cause, but bladder cancer also occurs in people who have never smoked. Workplace chemicals and other factors can contribute.

Read the facts
Bladder cancerNew
Myth #02 · Causes & risk

Bladder cancer occurs only in men?

మూత్రాశయ క్యాన్సర్ మగవారికి మాత్రమే వస్తుందా?

Bladder cancer is more common in men, but women get it too, and their diagnosis is often delayed because symptoms are put down to urine infections.

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Bladder cancerNew
Myth #03 · Causes & risk

Bladder cancer affects only elderly people?

మూత్రాశయ క్యాన్సర్ వయసు మళ్లినవాళ్లకు మాత్రమే వస్తుందా?

The risk rises with age, but younger adults can also develop bladder cancer.

Read the facts
Bladder cancerNew
Myth #04 · Causes & risk

Drinking plenty of water completely prevents bladder cancer?

ఎక్కువ నీళ్లు తాగితే మూత్రాశయ క్యాన్సర్ పూర్తిగా నివారణ అవుతుందా?

Drinking enough water is good for your health, but it doesn't eliminate bladder cancer risk. Evidence for a specific protective effect is inconclusive.

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Bladder cancerNew
Myth #05 · Causes & risk

If I stop smoking, my bladder cancer risk disappears immediately?

పొగ మానేస్తే మూత్రాశయ క్యాన్సర్ ప్రమాదం వెంటనే పోతుందా?

Quitting lowers your future risk, but former smokers can remain at higher risk for many years.

Read the facts
Kidney cancerNew
Myth #01 · Causes & risk

Kidney cancer occurs only in people who smoke?

పొగ తాగేవాళ్లకు మాత్రమే మూత్రపిండ క్యాన్సర్ వస్తుందా?

Smoking raises the risk, but kidney cancer also occurs in people who have never smoked. Excess weight, high blood pressure and some inherited conditions are other risk factors.

Read the facts
Kidney cancerNew
Myth #02 · Causes & risk

Kidney stones eventually turn into kidney cancer?

మూత్రపిండాల్లో రాళ్లు చివరకు మూత్రపిండ క్యాన్సర్‌గా మారుతాయా?

Ordinary kidney stones do not turn into cancer. Long-standing stones and inflammation are linked to some rare urinary tract cancers, but this is different from the common type of kidney cancer.

Read the facts
Kidney cancerNew
Myth #03 · Causes & risk

Kidney cancer is always hereditary?

మూత్రపిండ క్యాన్సర్ ఎప్పుడూ వంశపారంపర్యమేనా?

Most kidney cancers are not inherited. A minority are linked to inherited conditions such as von Hippel–Lindau syndrome, Birt–Hogg–Dubé syndrome and hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer.

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Kidney cancerNew
Myth #04 · Causes & risk

Kidney cancer affects only elderly men?

మూత్రపిండ క్యాన్సర్ వయసు మళ్లిన మగవారికి మాత్రమే వస్తుందా?

The risk rises with age and is higher in men, but women and younger adults can also develop kidney cancer.

Read the facts
Kidney cancerNew
Myth #05 · Causes & risk

Drinking more water can prevent or cure kidney cancer?

ఎక్కువ నీళ్లు తాగితే మూత్రపిండ క్యాన్సర్ నివారణ లేదా నయం అవుతుందా?

Drinking enough water supports general kidney health, but extra water has not been shown to prevent or treat kidney cancer.

Read the facts
Blood cancers

రక్త క్యాన్సర్లు · 15 myths

Leukaemia (blood cancer)New
Myth #01 · Causes & symptoms

Blood cancer is always hereditary?

రక్త క్యాన్సర్ ఎప్పుడూ వంశపారంపర్యంగా వస్తుందా?

Most leukaemias are not inherited. Some genetic conditions and family tendencies raise the risk, but most cases occur without any strong family history.

Read the facts
Leukaemia (blood cancer)New
Myth #02 · Causes & symptoms

Leukaemia occurs only in children?

లుకేమియా పిల్లలకు మాత్రమే వస్తుందా?

Leukaemia affects all ages. ALL is the most common childhood cancer, while AML, CLL and CML are more common in adults.

Read the facts
Leukaemia (blood cancer)New
Myth #03 · Causes & symptoms

Leukaemia always causes a very high white blood cell count?

లుకేమియాలో తెల్ల రక్త కణాల లెక్క ఎప్పుడూ చాలా ఎక్కువగా ఉంటుందా?

The white cell count may be high, normal or even low at diagnosis. Some people mainly have anaemia or low platelets.

Read the facts
Leukaemia (blood cancer)New
Myth #04 · Causes & symptoms

Frequent fever always means an ordinary infection?

తరచుగా జ్వరం వస్తే అది ఎప్పుడూ మామూలు ఇన్‌ఫెక్షనేనా?

Most fevers are infections. But fever that persists or keeps returning without explanation, especially with paleness, bruising, bleeding or tiredness, needs a blood count.

Read the facts
Leukaemia (blood cancer)New
Myth #05 · Causes & symptoms

If there are no swollen lymph nodes, leukaemia is impossible?

లింఫ్ గ్రంథులు ఉబ్బకపోతే లుకేమియా అసాధ్యమా?

Leukaemia can occur without any swollen nodes. Its symptoms often come from the bone marrow not working properly.

Read the facts
LymphomaNew
Myth #01 · Causes & warning signs

Every swollen lymph node is cancer?

ఉబ్బిన ప్రతి లింఫ్ గ్రంథీ క్యాన్సరేనా?

Most swollen lymph nodes are caused by infections or inflammation. But a node that persists, keeps growing or has no clear cause needs checking.

Read the facts
LymphomaNew
Myth #02 · Causes & warning signs

A painless neck swelling is always tuberculosis?

నొప్పి లేని మెడ వాపు ఎప్పుడూ క్షయేనా?

TB is an important cause of swollen nodes in India, but lymphoma can also cause painless swelling in the neck, armpit or groin. A tissue diagnosis may be needed.

Read the facts
LymphomaNew
Myth #03 · Causes & warning signs

Lymphoma occurs only in elderly people?

లింఫోమా వయసు మళ్లినవాళ్లకు మాత్రమే వస్తుందా?

Hodgkin lymphoma commonly affects teenagers and young adults, while many non-Hodgkin lymphomas become more common with age. Lymphoma can occur at any age.

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LymphomaNew
Myth #04 · Causes & warning signs

Lymphoma is contagious and can spread between family members?

లింఫోమా అంటువ్యాధి, కుటుంబ సభ్యులకు అంటుకుంటుందా?

Lymphoma itself is not contagious. Some infections, such as EBV, HIV and H. pylori, are linked with certain types, but that does not make lymphoma catching.

Read the facts
LymphomaNew
Myth #05 · Causes & warning signs

If there is no pain, fever or weight loss, lymphoma is impossible?

నొప్పి, జ్వరం, బరువు తగ్గడం లేకపోతే లింఫోమా అసాధ్యమా?

Some people with lymphoma have only a painless swollen node. Fever, drenching night sweats and unexplained weight loss can occur, but not always.

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Multiple myelomaNew
Myth #01 · Causes & warning signs

Multiple myeloma is simply another name for bone cancer?

మల్టిపుల్ మైలోమా అంటే ఎముక క్యాన్సర్‌కు మరో పేరేనా?

Myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, which normally make antibodies. It starts in the bone marrow and can damage bones, but it is not a primary bone cancer like osteosarcoma.

Read the facts
Multiple myelomaNew
Myth #02 · Causes & warning signs

Persistent back pain in older adults is always due to ageing or arthritis?

పెద్దవాళ్లలో తగ్గని నడుము నొప్పి ఎప్పుడూ వయసు లేదా కీళ్ల అరుగుదల వల్లేనా?

Most back pain is harmless, but persistent or worsening pain, especially with unexplained anaemia, fractures, weight loss or kidney problems, deserves investigation.

Read the facts
Multiple myelomaNew
Myth #03 · Causes & warning signs

Multiple myeloma occurs only in very elderly people?

మల్టిపుల్ మైలోమా బాగా వయసు మళ్లినవాళ్లకు మాత్రమే వస్తుందా?

Myeloma is more common after 60, but younger adults can also develop it.

Read the facts
Multiple myelomaNew
Myth #04 · Causes & warning signs

If there is no bone pain, multiple myeloma is impossible?

ఎముకల నొప్పి లేకపోతే మల్టిపుల్ మైలోమా అసాధ్యమా?

Some people have no bone pain at diagnosis. Myeloma may first appear as anaemia, kidney problems, repeated infections or abnormal blood test results.

Read the facts
Multiple myelomaNew
Myth #05 · Causes & warning signs

Multiple myeloma is always inherited from parents?

మల్టిపుల్ మైలోమా ఎప్పుడూ తల్లిదండ్రుల నుంచి వంశపారంపర్యంగా వస్తుందా?

Most cases are not inherited. A family history can slightly raise the risk, but most patients have no affected relative.

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Brain, bone and children

మెదడు, ఎముకలు, పిల్లల క్యాన్సర్లు · 18 myths

Brain tumoursNew
Myth #01 · Causes & risk

Using mobile phones causes brain cancer?

మొబైల్ ఫోన్ వాడటం వల్ల మెదడు క్యాన్సర్ వస్తుందా?

Current evidence has not shown that using a mobile phone causes brain cancer. Research continues, but no causal link has been found.

Read the facts
Brain tumoursNew
Myth #02 · Causes & risk

Every brain tumour is cancer?

ప్రతి మెదడు గడ్డా క్యాన్సరేనా?

Brain tumours can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). But even a benign tumour can be serious because of where it is or how it grows.

Read the facts
Brain tumoursNew
Myth #03 · Causes & risk

Brain tumours happen only in elderly people?

మెదడు గడ్డలు వయసు మళ్లినవాళ్లకు మాత్రమే వస్తాయా?

Brain tumours can occur at any age, including in children and young adults. Different types are more common at different ages.

Read the facts
Brain tumoursNew
Myth #04 · Causes & risk

Brain cancer is always inherited from parents?

మెదడు క్యాన్సర్ ఎప్పుడూ తల్లిదండ్రుల నుంచి వస్తుందా?

Most brain tumours are not inherited. Only a small minority are linked to rare inherited conditions that run in families.

Read the facts
Brain tumoursNew
Myth #05 · Causes & risk

Stress, overthinking or too much studying causes brain tumours?

ఒత్తిడి, అతిగా ఆలోచించడం లేదా ఎక్కువ చదువు వల్ల మెదడు గడ్డలు వస్తాయా?

There is no convincing evidence that stress, studying or thinking too much causes brain tumours.

Read the facts
Brain tumoursNew
Myth #25 · Causes & risk

My child’s brain tumour happened because of something I did?

నా బిడ్డకు మెదడు గడ్డ రావడానికి నేను చేసినదేదో కారణమా?

Most childhood brain tumours happen by chance as the brain develops. Nothing parents did, ate or allowed causes them.

Read the facts
Bone & soft tissue sarcomasNew
Myth #01 · Causes & warning signs

Children can't get bone cancer?

పిల్లలకు ఎముక క్యాన్సర్ రాదా?

Bone cancers such as osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma are among the important cancers of children and teenagers.

Read the facts
Bone & soft tissue sarcomasNew
Myth #02 · Causes & warning signs

Bone cancer occurs only in elderly people?

ఎముక క్యాన్సర్ వయసు మళ్లినవాళ్లకు మాత్రమే వస్తుందా?

Osteosarcoma commonly affects teenagers, often during growth spurts. Ewing sarcoma also often affects children and young adults.

Read the facts
Bone & soft tissue sarcomasNew
Myth #03 · Causes & warning signs

Persistent leg pain in children is always growing pains?

పిల్లల్లో తగ్గని కాలి నొప్పి ఎప్పుడూ ఎదుగుదల నొప్పేనా?

Bone pain that keeps getting worse, stays in one place, or comes at night, especially with swelling or limping, needs a doctor's check.

Read the facts
Bone & soft tissue sarcomasNew
Myth #04 · Causes & warning signs

Bone cancer develops because a child fell or had a sports injury?

బిడ్డ పడిపోవడం వల్లో, ఆటల దెబ్బ వల్లో ఎముక క్యాన్సర్ వస్తుందా?

Ordinary injuries do not cause osteosarcoma or Ewing sarcoma. An injury may simply draw attention to a tumour that was already there.

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Bone & soft tissue sarcomasNew
Myth #05 · Causes & warning signs

A painless lump in a child's arm or leg can't be cancer?

బిడ్డ చేతిలోనో కాలిలోనో నొప్పి లేని గడ్డ క్యాన్సర్ కాదా?

Soft tissue sarcomas, including rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), often first appear as a painless lump that keeps growing.

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Bone & soft tissue sarcomasNew
Myth #21 · Causes & warning signs

A child who can walk or play normally can't have bone cancer?

మామూలుగా నడవగలిగే, ఆడగలిగే బిడ్డకు ఎముక క్యాన్సర్ ఉండదా?

Early osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma may cause pain that comes and goes, while the child still walks, runs and plays normally.

Read the facts
Bone & soft tissue sarcomasNew
Myth #23 · Causes & warning signs

Osteosarcoma always starts around the knee?

ఆస్టియోసార్కోమా ఎప్పుడూ మోకాలి చుట్టూనే మొదలవుతుందా?

The bones around the knee are the most common sites, but osteosarcoma also occurs in the upper arm, pelvis, jaw and other bones.

Read the facts
Bone & soft tissue sarcomasNew
Myth #24 · Causes & warning signs

Ewing sarcoma affects only bones?

ఎవింగ్ సార్కోమా ఎముకలకు మాత్రమే వస్తుందా?

Ewing sarcoma can also start in soft tissues outside the bones.

Read the facts
Bone & soft tissue sarcomasNew
Myth #25 · Causes & warning signs

Rhabdomyosarcoma develops only in the arms and legs?

రాబ్డోమయోసార్కోమా కాళ్లు చేతుల్లో మాత్రమే వస్తుందా?

Rhabdomyosarcoma often occurs in the head and neck, the urinary and genital organs, and other soft tissues, not only the limbs.

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Bone & soft tissue sarcomasNew
Myth #31 · Causes & warning signs

Sarcoma is only a children's cancer; adults don't get it?

సార్కోమా పిల్లలకు మాత్రమే వచ్చే క్యాన్సర్, పెద్దవారికి రాదా?

Most soft tissue sarcomas occur in adults, often between 40 and 70, and chondrosarcoma of bone is mainly a disease of adults.

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Bone & soft tissue sarcomasNew
Myth #33 · Causes & warning signs

A painless swelling of the tummy is only gas, fat or indigestion?

నొప్పి లేని పొట్ట వాపు గ్యాస్, కొవ్వు లేదా అజీర్ణం మాత్రమేనా?

Most are not serious, but sarcomas at the back of the abdomen (retroperitoneal sarcomas) can grow very large before causing pain. A swelling that keeps increasing needs a scan.

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Bone & soft tissue sarcomasNew
Myth #34 · Causes & warning signs

A bruise or rash on a breast treated with radiotherapy years ago is nothing to worry about?

ఏళ్ల క్రితం రేడియోథెరపీ ఇచ్చిన రొమ్ము మీద కమిలిన మచ్చ లేదా దద్దురు గురించి భయపడాల్సిన అవసరం లేదా?

Most marks on a treated breast are harmless, but a bruise-like purple patch or small lumps that don't fade within about two weeks need a biopsy, because a rare cancer called angiosarcoma can start in the treated skin.

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Treatment, screening and care

చికిత్స, స్క్రీనింగ్, సంరక్షణ · 22 myths

Cancer screening & preventionNew
Myth #01 · Prevention & lifestyle

Cancer can't be prevented, it's entirely a matter of luck?

క్యాన్సర్‌ను నివారించలేం, అంతా అదృష్టమేనా?

Not every cancer is preventable, but avoiding tobacco, keeping a healthy weight, staying active, vaccination and other measures lower the risk of several cancers.

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Cancer screening & preventionNew
Myth #02 · Prevention & lifestyle

Only smokers get cancer?

సిగరెట్ తాగేవాళ్లకు మాత్రమే క్యాన్సర్ వస్తుందా?

Tobacco is a major preventable cause of cancer, but cancer also occurs in people who have never smoked. Smokeless tobacco and areca nut products carry important cancer risks too.

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Cancer screening & preventionNew
Myth #03 · Prevention & lifestyle

If cancer runs in the family, prevention is useless?

వంశంలో క్యాన్సర్ ఉంటే నివారణ వల్ల ఉపయోగం లేదా?

Inherited risk can raise the chance of cancer, but genetic counselling, closer screening and selected risk-reducing measures can help.

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Cancer screening & preventionNew
Myth #04 · Prevention & lifestyle

Cancer is caused mainly by eating sugar?

క్యాన్సర్ ముఖ్యంగా చక్కెర తినడం వల్లే వస్తుందా?

Sugar doesn't specially "feed" cancer in a way that makes cutting it out a cure or reliable prevention. But too many calories and excess weight raise the risk of several cancers.

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Cancer screening & preventionNew
Myth #05 · Prevention & lifestyle

Taking vitamins, herbal products or antioxidant supplements prevents cancer?

విటమిన్లు, మూలికా ఉత్పత్తులు, యాంటీఆక్సిడెంట్ మాత్రలు క్యాన్సర్‌ను నివారిస్తాయా?

Routine supplements have not been shown to reliably prevent cancer in the general population. Some high-dose supplements may even cause harm.

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Cancer screening & preventionNew
Myth #06 · Breast & cervical screening

Breast cancer screening is necessary only when a lump develops?

గడ్డ వచ్చినప్పుడే రొమ్ము క్యాన్సర్ పరీక్ష అవసరమా?

Screening mammography aims to find breast cancer before any symptoms appear. A new breast symptom needs a diagnostic assessment, not just routine screening.

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Cancer screening & preventionNew
Myth #07 · Breast & cervical screening

Mammography causes breast cancer because of the radiation?

మామోగ్రామ్ రేడియేషన్ వల్ల రొమ్ము క్యాన్సర్ వస్తుందా?

Mammography uses a low dose of radiation. For women in the recommended age groups, the benefits of screening generally outweigh the small radiation risk.

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Cancer screening & preventionNew
Myth #08 · Breast & cervical screening

A normal mammogram guarantees that breast cancer is absent?

మామోగ్రామ్ నార్మల్ వస్తే రొమ్ము క్యాన్సర్ లేదని ఖచ్చితమా?

Mammography can miss some cancers, especially in dense breasts. A new lump, nipple discharge or other worrying change still needs to be checked.

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Cancer screening & preventionNew
Myth #09 · Breast & cervical screening

Cervical cancer screening is unnecessary after HPV vaccination?

హెచ్‌పీవీ టీకా వేయించుకుంటే గర్భాశయ ముఖద్వార పరీక్ష అవసరం లేదా?

HPV vaccination greatly reduces the risk, but doesn't remove it. Vaccinated women should continue recommended cervical screening.

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Cancer screening & preventionNew
Myth #10 · Breast & cervical screening

Pap smears detect all cancers of the female reproductive system?

పాప్ స్మియర్ స్త్రీల జననేంద్రియాల క్యాన్సర్లన్నిటినీ కనిపెడుతుందా?

Pap and HPV tests are designed to screen for cervical cancer. They don't reliably screen for ovarian, womb or other gynaecological cancers.

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Cancer screening & preventionNew
Myth #11 · Screening tests

A whole-body PET-CT scan is the best yearly cancer screening test?

ఏటా శరీరమంతా పెట్ సీటీ స్కాన్ చేయించుకోవడమే ఉత్తమ క్యాన్సర్ పరీక్షా?

PET-CT is not recommended for routine screening in healthy people at average risk. False alarms, chance findings, radiation and unnecessary procedures are real concerns.

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Cancer screening & preventionNew
Myth #12 · Screening tests

A normal tumour-marker blood test means there is no cancer?

ట్యూమర్ మార్కర్ రక్త పరీక్ష నార్మల్ వస్తే క్యాన్సర్ లేనట్లేనా?

Markers such as CEA, CA 19-9, CA-125 and AFP are not reliable general cancer screening tests. Normal results can't rule out cancer.

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Cancer screening & preventionNew
Myth #13 · Screening tests

Everyone should have a full-body CT scan every year to detect cancer early?

క్యాన్సర్ త్వరగా కనిపెట్టడానికి అందరూ ఏటా శరీరమంతా సీటీ స్కాన్ చేయించుకోవాలా?

Routine whole-body CT is not recommended for healthy people at average risk, because the benefits are unproven and the harms include radiation and chance findings.

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Cancer screening & preventionNew
Myth #14 · Screening tests

Colonoscopy is needed only when there is blood in the stools?

మలంలో రక్తం పడినప్పుడే కొలనోస్కోపీ అవసరమా?

Bowel screening can find and remove polyps before any symptoms appear. When to start depends on age, family history and other risk factors.

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Cancer screening & preventionNew
Myth #15 · Screening tests

A negative stool blood test completely rules out colorectal cancer?

మలంలో రక్త పరీక్ష నెగటివ్ వస్తే పేగు క్యాన్సర్ పూర్తిగా లేనట్లేనా?

Stool tests can miss cancers and large polyps. Symptoms such as persistent bleeding or unexplained iron-deficiency anaemia need full investigation, even after a negative test.

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Cancer screening & preventionNew
Myth #16 · Who needs screening

Everyone should have a yearly low-dose CT scan for lung cancer?

ఊపిరితిత్తుల క్యాన్సర్ కోసం అందరూ ఏటా తక్కువ మోతాదు సీటీ స్కాన్ చేయించుకోవాలా?

Low-dose CT screening is recommended only for defined high-risk groups, mainly based on age and smoking history. It is not recommended for all adults.

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Cancer screening & preventionNew
Myth #17 · Who needs screening

Healthy people don't need cancer screening?

ఆరోగ్యంగా ఉన్నవారికి క్యాన్సర్ పరీక్షలు అవసరం లేదా?

Screening is meant precisely for people without symptoms who meet age- or risk-based criteria.

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Cancer screening & preventionNew
Myth #18 · Who needs screening

If there is no family history, cancer screening is unnecessary?

కుటుంబంలో ఎవరికీ లేకపోతే క్యాన్సర్ పరీక్షలు అవసరం లేదా?

Many cancers occur without any family history. Screening recommendations for the general population don't depend only on inherited risk.

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Cancer screening & preventionNew
Myth #19 · Who needs screening

More screening tests always mean better cancer prevention?

ఎక్కువ పరీక్షలు చేయిస్తే ఎప్పుడూ మంచి నివారణేనా?

Unnecessary tests can cause false alarms, overdiagnosis, anxiety, radiation exposure and avoidable procedures. Screening should have a proven overall benefit for the individual.

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Cancer screening & preventionNew
Myth #20 · Who needs screening

Once a screening test is normal, there's no need to repeat it?

ఒకసారి పరీక్ష నార్మల్ వస్తే మళ్లీ చేయించుకోవాల్సిన అవసరం లేదా?

Screening intervals depend on the test, age, risk and previous results. A normal test doesn't give lifelong protection.

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Cancer screening & preventionNew
Myth #21 · Breast & cervical screening

Examining my own breasts every month is enough; I don’t need a check-up?

నెలకోసారి నా రొమ్ములు నేనే పరీక్షించుకుంటే చాలు, డాక్టర్ పరీక్ష అవసరం లేదా?

Knowing how your breasts normally look and feel helps you notice changes early, but it does not replace a clinical breast examination or a screening mammogram.

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Cancer screening & preventionNew
Myth #22 · Screening tests

A thermal (heat) scan can replace a mammogram?

థర్మల్ (వేడి) స్కాన్ మామోగ్రామ్‌కు బదులు కాగలదా?

Thermal imaging of the breast has not been shown to replace mammography for finding breast cancer early.

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Have a myth you'd like Dr. Haritha to answer? Send it on WhatsApp. Educational information is general and cannot replace an individualised clinical consultation.