Lung cancer is considered as a dreaded disease. It is every smokers worst nightmare. Indeed, smokers have a high risk for becoming a prey to lung cancer. But do you know that smoking is not the only cause for this disease and nonsmokers too can be affected with lung cancer? Do you know even quitting smoking even after diagnosed with cancer helps to heal the patient better? Do you know that many believe that talcum powder causes lung cancer? Well, there are many facts and myths associated with this disease. Here, let us examine the various myths associated with lung cancer. There are many, and we can analyze the major ones here.
1. Quitting smoking won’t help after a period
The common myth associated with lung cancer is that discarding smoking wont worth the effort after a long period of smoking. However, studies prove that this notion is completely wrong as lung function and respiration shows improvement immediately after one quits smoking. Another associated myth is that it is pointless to quit smoking, if diagnosed with lung cancer. Studies prove that those who quit smoking heals early compared to those who continue to smoke because it helps to increase the rate of healing.
2. Light cigarettes are less dangerous
Another myth associated with lung cancer is that using ‘light cigarettes or low tar cigarettes’ has comparatively low risk for lung cancer. But this is wrong. The fact is that these cigarettes pose the same amount of risk as the usual one. Besides, cigarettes with menthol flavor are more dangerous. Cigarettes with menthol can be more dangerous as the ‘easy feeling’ may prompt you to inhale more deeply.
3. Marijuana doesn’t increase lung cancer risk
Though there are many researches to contradict this myth, it is true that marijuana smoking can increase lung cancer risk because you have higher danger of exposure to tar and other cancer causing substances. This poses more danger for you than an ordinary smoke.
4. Antioxidant supplements help you prevent cancer
Indeed, fruits and vegetables which are rich source of antioxidants help to regain your vitality and youthfulness. They also help to prevent various types of cancer. Using ‘antioxidant supplements’ are dangerous for the smokers. So before you go for any self-made treatment based on myth, better consult your doctor first. It is necessary to wriggles of the wrong perceptions associated with the disease and act on logical and scientifically-proven grounds.
5. Pipes and cigars are less dangerous
Well, this will be one of the most prevalent myths among smokers (and non-smokers too) that using pipes or cigars has a comparatively less risk for lung cancer. What you should remember is that using pipes and cigars is more dangerous than using usual cigarettes. Smoking through pipe not only causes the risk of lung cancer but also the risk of other types of cancer like those of the mouth, throat, and esophagus.
6. Only smoking causes lung cancer risk
You too might have a notion that only smoking causes lung cancer. This is another myth associated with lung cancer. But its wrong as radioactive gas called radon also causes lung cancer. In fact, this is the second leading cause for lung cancer. Radon is emitted from the rock and soil and you should better test your home and office building to know whether this particle is present.
7. Talcum powder causes lung cancer!
One laughable myth associated with lung cancer is that talcum powder can cause this disease! But, ‘till now’ researchers found no evidence to support this cosmetic humor. There are people who believe that talcum powder causes lung cancer, but there is no any proof to substantiate this notion. However, constant exposure to substances like asbestoses and vinyl chloride can be risky in this regard.
8. Exercise doesn’t reduce the risk of lung cancer
Regular exercise, with many of its benefits, acts as a ‘preventive’ factor to some extent with regards to lung cancer hazard. Studies have already proved that exercise reduce lung cancer risk by 20%. Besides, regular exercise, as you have already aware of, also helps to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. Well, doing regular exercise pays its own dividends.
9. Air Pollution is a Chief Cause of Lung Cancer
Do not assume that air pollution does not have its ell-effects. Air pollution causes lung cancer, it’s true. But contrary to popular belief, it is not the foremost reason for the disease. Then, what is the main cause of lung cancer? Well, you guess right – smoking! Smoking is, without doubt, the primary and foremost cause of lung cancer, and believing that air pollution is the major cause of this disease is just reflective of a common myth.
