Busting the 12 biggest cancer myths

Experts at the world's largest oncology conference have warned of increasing online misinformation. Here, Hanna Geissler gets to the truth

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Quack cures have a long and colourful history - from garlic necklaces worn during the 1918 flu pandemic to copper bangles that promise relief from arthritis. If an illness exists, so does a snake oil salesman willing to sell you the latest lotion, tincture or balm to fix it.

Despite this being a well-known problem, vulnerable patients are still being taken in and even dying after turning to alternative therapies.

At the world's largest oncology conference earlier this month, experts warned of rising online misinformation fuelling myths about the causes of, and cures for, cancer.

Dr Julie Gralow, chief medical officer at the American Society of Clinical Oncology, which hosted the Chicago conference, said she had seen patients turn to clinics in Mexico that promise "an all-natural treatment for cancer, which includes caffeine colonics, vitamin C infusions and other things".

Some realise the error of their ways and return a few months later.

But, "a few times, they didn't come back, then I'd learn within nine months they tragically had died in some cases," she said.

The discussion prompted a stark warning from England's top doctor, NHS medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis, who urged patients not to be taken in by "miracle cures" and "fairy tales".

With dodgy cancer advice more readily available than ever, we've recruited three experts to bust 12 common cancer myths.

CAUSES

Sugar The best medical myths contain a grain of truth. The idea that sugar "feeds" cancer is based on the fact that cancer cells require glucose, a type of sugar, for energy.