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Facts or Myths

Smoking increases mental concentration and thinking ability

Almost everything in the world has its own repository of myths that have been passed on from generation to generation. These are usually tall tales, either propagated by the media or created due to ignorance about lung cancer and its various aspects. In this section, we shall clear some of the myths surrounding lung cancer.

Myth: Lung Cancer can be spread through casual contact and close proximity to a person with lung cancer is harmful

Fact: Lung Cancer is the result of unhealthy activities, environmental pollution and genetic defects. The only exception is when a pregnant mother passes on the carcinogens to her unborn baby. Casual contact with a person afflicted by lung cancer is perfectly fine but just make sure you do not pick up his/her habits.

Myth: Lung Cancer is fatal at all times

Fact: The survival rate for lung cancer is low at 5% but there are exceptions when the cancer cells stop dividing so rapidly and die out. Treatment can also increase the survival rate but the key to live is early treatment. If you are a smoker, stop smoking immediately and go for regular health checkups. If you are not a smoker, stay away from areas that are not smoking free and do not maintain close contact with smokers.

Myth: Some cigarettes are safe to use

Fact: All cigarettes contain carcinogens, so one cigarette is no better than another. Smokers of filter-tip cigarettes and of low-tar/low nicotine brands may be at lower risk because of the absence of certain carcinogens or because the carcinogens are not strong or concentrated enough. However, studies show that smokers who switch to these types tend to smoke more to compensate, so any benefits disappear. The best option is not to smoke and remain clean.

[Implications] [Facts&Myths]