Cancer Myths Quick Check Guide - Cancer Prevention

Cancer prevention rumors

× Sweet potato leaves prevent cancer

× Okra prevents cancer

× Dendrobium candidum prevents cancer

× Onions prevent cancer

× Garlic/Laba garlic prevents cancer

× Grape seeds prevent cancer

× Cherry prevents cancer

× Hot bitter melon water can prevent cancer

× Hot lemon water prevents cancer

× Hot pear water prevents cancer

× Soaking yew in water can prevent cancer

The above are all rumors that food/plants can prevent cancer. In fact, cell experiments or animal experiments have found that certain plant ingredients or extracts contain anti-cancer ingredients and have anti-cancer activity. It is far from being a simple inference that eating these foods/plants can prevent cancer. If you consume them too much for the so-called purpose of preventing cancer, it will be detrimental to your health.

× Drinking hot water can prevent cancer

It is totally unreliable to rely on drinking hot water to kill cancer cells to prevent cancer. Regular drinking of "hot water" (Class 2A carcinogens) over 65°C will increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

× Selenium-rich rice prevents cancer

Selenium is a trace element needed by the human body, but excessive selenium supplementation is harmful, and there is no sufficient research to prove that selenium supplementation can prevent cancer.

× Blackberry wine prevents cancer

Blackberry wine is actually blackberries mixed with rice wine. There is no scientific basis for the so-called blackberry wine to prevent cancer. Excessive drinking is harmful to your health.

× Ketogenic diet prevents cancer

The ketogenic diet is actually a formula diet that is low in carbohydrates, high in fat, and combined with appropriate protein and other nutrients. There is currently no definite scientific research to prove that the ketogenic diet can effectively prevent or fight cancer.

× Antioxidant supplements to prevent cancer

There is no evidence that antioxidants can prevent cancer, and healthy people do not need to take additional antioxidants. Do not blindly believe in so-called health foods, a balanced diet is the hard truth.

× In vitro “blood washing” to prevent cancer

It’s pure “scam”. Not only can it not prevent cancer, it also poses safety risks!

× Lard prevents cancer

Lard is mainly fat and cannot prevent cancer. Excessive intake may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is recommended to consume it in moderation.

× Liquor can prevent cancer

Drinking liquor not only does not prevent cancer, but can cause cancer. Liquor and other alcoholic beverages are Class 1 carcinogens.

× Nicotine prevents cancer

This is a completely unfounded claim. Smoking is a clear risk factor for cancer. It not only does not prevent cancer, but can actually cause cancer.

× Cancer cells can be starved to death

Cancer cells can be "starved" to death, but if the patient does not eat or drink, the patient himself will "starve" before the cancer cells, which is equivalent to dying together.

× Malaria parasite can cure advanced cancer

Currently, it is only a preliminary experimental research exploration, and its efficacy and side effects are unknown.

× Alkaline foods fight cancer

Concepts such as "acid-base body type" and "alkaline diet" are actually commercial scams.

Conclusion

Cancer is the result of multiple factors and cannot be simply attributed to a single factor. Although some foods or items may contain so-called "carcinogens", there is no need to worry about cancer if they are consumed or contacted normally. Of course, we should try to minimize contact or exposure to some things, so we should have an objective and dialectical understanding of the concept of "carcinogens" and not believe in exaggerated or ill-intentioned rumors/rumors that cause unnecessary panic.

Similarly, although some plants/foods may contain so-called anti-cancer ingredients, it is basically unrealistic to expect to prevent cancer by taking a single food or specific ingredient. Balancing dietary nutrition, abandoning bad living habits, and maintaining a healthy mentality are the real magic weapon to stay away from cancer.

Guiding expert: Pan Zhanhe, oncologist, associate chief physician of Zhongshan Hospital affiliated to Xiamen University, and member of the Standing Committee of the Health Communication Working Committee of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association.

Popular Science in China: Talks from Masters at the Frontier of Science and Technology

China Internet Joint Rumor Refutation Platform

Xinhuanet Science Department

Co-production