Cancer myths: What’s true?
Learn the truth about common cancer myths. See simple facts and what to do next, for women, men, older adults, and different communities.
Women’s cancer
Myth: Breast cancer only affects older women.
Fact: Breast cancer can affect women of any age, including those under 40.
What you can do:
Know how your breasts normally look and feel - watch this guide from NHS
Attend routine breast screening when invited
See a GP if you notice changes (lumps, dimpling, nipple changes)
Myth: Cervical cancer is rare if you’re not sexually active anymore.
Fact: Cervical cancer risk remains because HPV can stay in the body for years.
What you can do:
Attend cervical screening when invited, even after menopause
Encourage younger women to take up the HPV vaccine
Learn more about cancers that affect women with the leading gynaecological cancers charity - The Eve Appeal
Men’s cancer
Myth: Prostate cancer always has obvious symptoms.
Fact: Early prostate cancer often has no symptoms.
What you can do:
Men over 50 (or over 45 if higher risk) should talk to their GP
Learn about PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) testing and its pros and cons
Myth: Testicular cancer only affects older men.
Fact: It is most common in men aged 15–49.
What you can do:
Check testicles monthly for lumps or changes
Seek medical advice promptly if something feels different
Find out more from Orchid Fighting Male Cancer - Testicular Cancer Hub
Cancer in Older Adults
Myth: Cancer is just part of ageing and nothing can be done.
Fact: Many cancers are treatable and curable, even in later life.
What you can do:
Report symptoms early (weight loss, pain, bleeding, fatigue)
Attend all screening appointments
Myth: Older people are too frail for cancer treatment.
Fact: Treatment is based on overall health, not age alone.
What you can do:
Ask about treatment options and support services
Involve family or carers in medical appointments
Speak to Age UK
Asian Community
Myth: Cancer is caused mainly by fate or karma.
Fact: Lifestyle, infections, and genetics play a major role, and many risks are preventable.
What you can do:
Attend screening programmes
Reduce risks: stop smoking, limit alcohol, maintain a healthy diet
Find translated cancer information and help in your language from Macmillan Cancer Support
Myth: Talking about cancer brings bad luck.
Fact: Early discussion saves lives by leading to earlier diagnosis.
What you can do:
Encourage open conversations within families
Seek medical help early for symptoms
Afro-Caribbean Community
Myth: Black people don’t get skin cancer
Fact: Skin cancer is less common but often diagnosed later and can be more serious.
What you can do:
Check palms, soles, nails, and scars
See a GP for new or changing skin marks
Find out more about Skin Cancer in Skin of Colour
Myth: Prostate cancer is the same risk for all men.
Fact: Black men are twice as likely to develop prostate cancer and more likely to be diagnosed younger.
What can be done:
Have early conversations with a GP from age 45
Know your family history
Learn more about Black men and prostate cancer from Prostate Cancer UK
