Empowerment
objective - for
laypeople to have a
basic understanding
of what is a CANCER
and its associated
MYTHS in causation.
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation
February 11, 2023
1400H - 1500H
Via Zoom

Empowerment
objective - for
laypeople to have a
basic understanding
of what is a CANCER
and its associated
MYTHS in causation.
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation
February 11, 2023
1400H - 1500H
Via Zoom
Welcome all!
MUTE yourself but always
show your video picture.
Sign in your name, FB
account, or email address in
the Chat Box! Include names
of companions attending.
Use the Chat Box to ask
questions and make
comments while the PEP TALK
is on.
Group pictures at start and
end of PEP TALK – show your
face in video.

Empowerment
objective - for
laypeople to have a
basic understanding
of what is a CANCER
and its associated
MYTHS in causation.
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation
Reminder:
Take the Online Learning
cum Evaluation Test
Exercise (OLETE) for
mastery of learning and
have a perfect score to get
a Certificate.
Link is in Chat Box.

Empowerment
objective - for
laypeople to have a
basic understanding
of what is a CANCER
and its associated
MYTHS in causation.
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation
Reminder:
50 OLETE Certificates = 1
Voucher for ROJoson
Telemedical Consultation

Empowerment
objective - for
laypeople to have a
basic understanding
of what is a CANCER
and its associated
MYTHS in causation.
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation
ROJOSON’S REQUEST:
FEEDBACK TO THIS
PEP TALK!
Pls. type in your
feedback in the chat
box during the open
forum and before we
part ways!
Thank you!

Empowerment
objective - for
laypeople to have a
basic understanding
of what is a CANCER
and its associated
MYTHS in causation.
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation
LET’S NOW HAVE A
GROUP PICTURE
TAKING BEFORE WE
START IN 2 MINUTES!
Pls. turn on your
video!
Show your face!

Empowerment
objective - for
laypeople to have a
basic understanding
of what is a CANCER
and its associated
MYTHS in causation.
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation
ROJoson PEP Talk
I have a Patient
Empowerment
Program in which I
like to empower the
lay people or
patients to take
control in the
management of
their health.

I started the PEP Talk
on May 15, 2021.
There are 3 courses
in the PEP Talk.
I completed the Core
Course on October 9,
2021.

From October 23,
2021 onwards, I have
been tackling Health
Disorder and Health
Issue Courses. This
may take 3 years or
longer depending on
our enthusiasm and
perseverance.

Empowerment
objective - for
laypeople to have a
basic understanding
of what is a CANCER
and its associated
MYTHS in causation.
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation
My PEP TALK today is
entitled:
Cancer Awareness
and Myths on
Causation
This is part of my
contribution to the
National Cancer
Consciousness
Month program of
DOH in February.

Contents of PEP Talk:
• What is a cancer?
• What are the different types of cancer?
• What are the causes of cancer?
• What are the myths and
misconceptions on CAUSATION of
cancers? [FOCUS OF TALK]
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

What is a cancer?
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

Definition of Cancer:
Cancer is a medical disease when some of
the body’s cells grow uncontrollably with a
potential to invade the adjacent body
tissues or organs and to spread to distant
tissues or organs.
What is a cancer?
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

What is a cancer? Cancer is a medical
disease when some of
the body’s cells grow
uncontrollably with a
potential
to invade the adjacent
body tissues or organs
and
to spread to distant
tissues or organs.
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

Cancer is a medical
disease when some of
the body’s cells grow
uncontrollably with a
potential
to invade the adjacent
body tissues or organs
and
to spread to distant
tissues or organs.
What is a cancer?
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

What is a malignant tumor?
Malignant tumor = cancer
What is a benign tumor?
Benign tumor = not cancer
Malignant tumors invade and spread.
Benign tumors do not invade and spread.
What is a cancer? Before going
further, let’s clarify
one associated term
of cancer (malignant
tumor) and
differentiate it from
benign tumor.
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

What are the different types of cancer?
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

What are the different types of cancer?
There are more than 200 types of cancers.
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

What are the different types of cancer? There are more
than 200 types of
cancers.
The types of cancers can be categorized
into
• whether solid or liquid;
• based on organ or tissue of origin;
and
• based on specific cell of origin.
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

What are the different types of cancer? There are more
than 200 types of
cancers.
Whether solid or liquid cancers
Cancer can be described as solid tumors (organ
tumors) or liquid tumors (blood cancers).
Both types are similar in that they are made of
abnormal cells that grow uncontrollably.
Solid tumors form a mass or multiple masses and
the liquid tumors circulate around the body
through the bloodstream.
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

What are the different types of cancer? There are more
than 200 types of
cancers.
Based on organ or tissue of origin
Examples: Cancers arising from
•Breast
•Brain
•Bone
•Stomach
•Esophagus
•Lymph nodes
•Epithelial tissue
•Connective tissue
•Muscular tissue
•Nervous tissue
Note:
NO organ in the
body is spared of
cancer.
Rare though are
cancers of the heart,
spleen and
appendix.
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

What are the different types of cancer? There are more
than 200 types of
cancers.
Based on specific cell of origin
Examples:
•Carcinoma from epithelial cells
• Adenocarcinoma
• Basal cell carcinoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Transitional cell carcinoma
•Sarcoma from muscle cells, fat cells, etc.
•Leukemia from bone marrow and white blood cells
•Lymphoma from lymphocytes
•Multiple myeloma from plasma cells
•Melanoma from melanocytes
•Germ cell tumor
•Neuroendocrine tumor
•Carcinoid tumor
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

What are the causes of cancer?
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

What are the causes of cancer?
The main cause of cancer is mutations, or changes
to the DNA in your cells.
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation
Cancer is a genetic
disease—that is, it
is caused by
changes
to genes that
control the way
our cells function,
especially how
they grow and
divide.

What are the causes of cancer?
The main cause of cancer is mutations, or changes
to the DNA in your cells.
Genetic mutations can be INHERITED
(BUT ONLY IN 5 TO 10% OF
INSTANCES).
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

What are the causes of cancer?
They can also occur after birth as a result of
environmental forces. (MAJORITY OF INSTANCES)
These external causes, called carcinogens, can
include:
• physical carcinogens like radiation and
ultraviolet (UV) light
• chemical carcinogens like cigarette smoke,
asbestos, alcohol, air pollution, and
contaminated food and drinking water
• biological carcinogens like viruses, bacteria,
and parasites
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

What are the MYTHS and
MISCONCEPTIONS on causes of cancer?
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation
Main reference: National Cancer Institute (USA)
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/myths
Misconceptions about cancer causation are often
rooted in outdated theories. They can cause
undue stress and interfere with effective
prevention and treatment.
Here are some common cancer myths on
causation with some evidence-based information.
NOTE:
A belief will be said
to be a myth if
there are NO strong
evidences to
support it.

What are the MYTHS and MISCONCEPTIONS on
causes of cancer?
If someone in my family has cancer, am I
likely to get cancer, too?
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation
Is cancer always
genetic?

What are the MYTHS and MISCONCEPTIONS on
causes of cancer?
If someone in my family has cancer, am I likely to
get cancer, too?
NOT NECESSARILY.
Cancer is caused by harmful changes (mutations)
in genes.
Only about 5 to 10 percent of cancers are caused
by harmful mutations that are inherited from a
person’s parents.
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation
Is cancer always
genetic?

What are the MYTHS and MISCONCEPTIONS on
causes of cancer?
If someone in my family has cancer, am I likely to
get cancer, too?
The remaining 90 to 95 percent of cancers are
caused by mutations that happen during a
person’s lifetime as a natural result of aging and
exposure to environmental factors, such as
tobacco smoke and radiation. These cancers are
called “non-hereditary” or “spontaneous”
cancers.
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation
Is cancer always
genetic?
NOT ALWAYS!
IN ONLY 5 – 10%!

What are the MYTHS and MISCONCEPTIONS on
causes of cancer?
If no one in my family has had cancer, does
that mean I’m risk-free?
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

What are the MYTHS and MISCONCEPTIONS on
causes of cancer?
If no one in my family has had cancer, does that
mean I’m risk-free?
No.
Based on the most recent data, about 38 percent of men and women will
be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lives. Most cancers
are caused by genetic changes that occur throughout a person’s lifetime
as a natural result of aging and exposure to environmental factors, such
as tobacco smoke and radiation. Other factors, such as what kind of food
you eat, how much you eat, and whether you exercise, may also influence
your risk of developing cancer.
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

What are the MYTHS and MISCONCEPTIONS on
causes of cancer?
Is cancer contagious?
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

What are the MYTHS and MISCONCEPTIONS on
causes of cancer?
Is cancer contagious?
In general, no.
Cancer is not a contagious disease that easily spreads from person to
person. The only situation in which cancer can spread from one person to
another is in the case of organ or tissue transplantation. A person who
receives an organ or tissue from a donor who had cancer in the past may
be at increased risk of developing a transplant-related cancer in the
future. However, that risk is extremely low—about two cases of cancer
per 10,000 organ transplants. Doctors avoid the use of organs or tissue
from donors who have a history of cancer.
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

What are the MYTHS and MISCONCEPTIONS on
causes of cancer?
Do cell phones cause cancer?
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

What are the MYTHS and MISCONCEPTIONS on
causes of cancer?
Do cell phones cause cancer?
No, not according to the best studies completed
so far.
Cancer is caused by genetic mutations, and cell
phones emit a type of low-frequency energy that
does not damage genes.
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

What are the MYTHS and MISCONCEPTIONS on
causes of cancer?
Do microwaving foods in plastic containers
and wraps release harmful, cancer-causing
substances?
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

What are the MYTHS and MISCONCEPTIONS on
causes of cancer?
Do microwaving foods in plastic containers and
wraps release harmful, cancer-causing
substances?
Plastic containers and wraps labeled as safe for
use in the microwave don't pose a threat.
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

What are the MYTHS and MISCONCEPTIONS on
causes of cancer?
Will eating sugar make my cancer worse?
Will eating sugar cause cancer?
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

What are the MYTHS and MISCONCEPTIONS on
causes of cancer?
Will eating sugar make my cancer worse?
No.
Although research has shown that cancer cells
consume more sugar (glucose) than normal cells,
no studies have shown that eating sugar will
make your cancer worse or that, if you stop eating
sugar, your cancer will shrink or disappear.
However, a high-sugar diet may contribute to
excess weight gain, and obesity is associated with
an increased risk of developing several types of
cancer.
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

What are the MYTHS and MISCONCEPTIONS on
causes of cancer?
Can artificial sweeteners cause cancer?
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

What are the MYTHS and MISCONCEPTIONS on
causes of cancer?
Can artificial sweeteners cause cancer?
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation NO.

What are the MYTHS and MISCONCEPTIONS on
causes of cancer?
Does trauma cause cancer?
Does trauma to the breast cause breast
cancer?
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

What are the MYTHS and MISCONCEPTIONS on
causes of cancer?
Does trauma cause cancer?
Does trauma to the breast cause breast cancer?
NO.
NO.
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

What are the MYTHS and MISCONCEPTIONS on
causes of cancer?
Does negative thinking or attitude cause
cancer?
Does stress, anxiety and depression cause
cancer?
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

What are the MYTHS and MISCONCEPTIONS on
causes of cancer?
Does negative thinking or attitude cause cancer?
Does stress, anxiety and depression cause cancer?
NO.
NO.
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

What are the MYTHS and MISCONCEPTIONS on
causes of cancer?
Will dyeing hair cause cancer?
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

What are the MYTHS and MISCONCEPTIONS on
causes of cancer?
Will dyeing hair cause cancer?
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation NO.
Since the 1970s, most of the harmful chemicals
have been removed from hair dyes, and modern
studies have found NO increased risk of cancer in
people who dye their hair.

What are the MYTHS and MISCONCEPTIONS on
causes of cancer?
Do underwire bras cause breast cancer?
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

What are the MYTHS and MISCONCEPTIONS on
causes of cancer?
Do underwire bras cause breast cancer?
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation NO.

What are the MYTHS and MISCONCEPTIONS on
causes of cancer?
Do antiperspirants or deodorants cause
breast cancer?
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

What are the MYTHS and MISCONCEPTIONS on
causes of cancer?
Do antiperspirants or deodorants cause breast
cancer?
NO.
The best studies so far have found no evidence
linking the chemicals typically found in
antiperspirants and deodorants with changes in
breast tissue.
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

What are the MYTHS and MISCONCEPTIONS on
causes of cancer?
Do frequent ejaculations cause or prevent
prostate cancer?
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

What are the MYTHS and MISCONCEPTIONS on
causes of cancer?
Do frequent ejaculations cause or prevent
prostate cancer?
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation
Frequent ejaculations do not cause prostatic
cancer.
Though some studies are showing protective
effect of frequent ejaculation on prostatic
cancers, (reduction), these still have to be
validated.

What are the MYTHS and MISCONCEPTIONS on
causes of cancer?
Can cancer surgery or a tumor biopsy
cause cancer to spread in the body?
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

What are the MYTHS and MISCONCEPTIONS on
causes of cancer?
Can cancer surgery or a tumor biopsy cause
cancer to spread in the body?
The chance that surgery will cause cancer to
spread to other parts of the body is extremely
low.
There is more benefit in doing biopsy than not
doing it as a definitive diagnosis is needed for a
proper treatment.
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

Contents of PEP Talk:
• What is a cancer?
• What are the different types of cancer?
• What are the causes of cancer?
• What are the myths and
misconceptions on CAUSATION of
cancers? [FOCUS OF TALK]
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation
Summary
Take Away

Contents of PEP Talk:
What are the myths and misconceptions on
CAUSATION of cancers?
• If someone in my family has cancer, am I likely
to get cancer, too? Is cancer always genetic?
• If no one in my family has had cancer, does that
mean I’m risk-free?
• Is cancer contagious?
• Do cell phones cause cancer?
• Do microwaving foods in plastic containers and
wraps release harmful, cancer-causing
substances?
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation
Summary
Take Away

Contents of PEP Talk:
What are the myths and misconceptions on
CAUSATION of cancers?
• Will eating sugar make my cancer worse? Will
eating sugar cause cancer?
• Can artificial sweeteners cause cancer?
• Does trauma cause cancer? Does trauma to
the breast cause breast cancer?
• Does negative thinking or attitude cause
cancer? Does stress, anxiety and depression
cause cancer?
• Will dyeing hair cause cancer?
• Do underwire bras cause breast cancer?
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation
Summary
Take Away

Contents of PEP Talk:
What are the myths and misconceptions on
CAUSATION of cancers?
• Do antiperspirants or deodorants cause breast
cancer?
• Do frequent ejaculations cause or prevent
prostate cancer?
• Can cancer surgery or a tumor biopsy cause
cancer to spread in the body?
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation
Summary
Take Away

Take Away in
relation to
Patient
Empowerment
Be always in touch with reliable medical
information on MYTHS in CANCER
CAUSATION.
Knowledge is power; it gives power.
Use the 4Ks of Patient Empowerment:
Kaalaman, Kakayanan, Karapatan and
Kapangyarihan
to gain greater control over decisions in
preventing the Myths in Cancer Causation
in affecting health management.
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

Empowerment
objective - for
laypeople to have a
basic understanding
of what is a CANCER
and its associated
MYTHS in causation.
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation

Empowerment
objective - for
laypeople to have a
basic understanding
of what is a CANCER
and its associated
MYTHS in causation.
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation
Reminder:
Take the Online Learning
cum Evaluation Test
Exercise (OLETE) for
mastery of learning and
have a perfect score to get
a Certificate.
Link is in Chat Box.

Empowerment
objective - for
laypeople to have a
basic understanding
of what is a CANCER
and its associated
MYTHS in causation.
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation
Reminder:
50 OLETE Certificates = 1
Voucher for ROJoson
Telemedical Consultation

Empowerment
objective - for
laypeople to have a
basic understanding
of what is a CANCER
and its associated
MYTHS in causation.
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation
ROJOSON’S REQUEST:
FEEDBACK TO THIS
PEP TALK!
Pls. type in your
feedback in the chat
box during the open
forum and before we
part ways!
Thank you!

Empowerment
objective - for
laypeople to have a
basic understanding
of what is a CANCER
and its associated
MYTHS in causation.
Cancer
Awareness
and Myths on
Causation
LET’S NOW HAVE A
GROUP PICTURE
TAKING BEFORE WE
START Q&A AND
INTERACTIONS!
Pls. turn on your
video!
Show your face!