COLORADO – February 2025 – In the internet age, myths and scientifically inaccurate ideas about how cancer starts, and what may cause it, can spread and misinform the public, potentially risking people’s lives and safety. At Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers (RMCC), every member of our staff is committed to open, thorough and transparent communication with each of our patients, being forward-thinking, never settling, and always relying on evidence-based care.
Old theories, misinformation, and insufficient understanding of cancer, its potential causes, and the treatments available, as well as a strong desire to find answers and solutions, can lead people to believe myths and misconceptions about the disease. Our expert physicians, backed with more than 30 years of experience and hundreds of groundbreaking clinical trials, want to go over some of the most common myths they encounter and set the record straight.
Myth: Cancer is always a death sentence.
Fact: “Many cancers caught early are curable with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and other treatments. Today, millions of cancer survivors live long, healthy lives,” said Dr. Travis Archuleta, Medical Oncologist. “Other cancers that may not be curable can be treated, and patients can maintain an active and healthy life for many years, even while on treatment. All of us at Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers are passionate about delivering world-class cancer care, and we never underestimate the power of being an unbreakable team with our patients and their families.”
Myth: Sugar feeds cancer, and cancer patients have to abstain from all sugar consumption.
Fact: “Sugar intake has no impact on cancer,” explains Dr. Eiko Browning, Medical Oncologist. “Our bodies have homeostatic mechanisms that are designed to maintain your blood sugar in a certain normal range, between 60 and 100. Unless someone has diabetes, their blood sugar will remain in that normal range, regardless of what they do or do not eat. Although cancer cells use energy, and energy includes sugar, it is not possible to ‘starve’ cancer cells by denying your body sugar, as your body will maintain a normal sugar level.”
RMCC holds monthly open calls with a nutritionist, discussing different topics involving nutrition and cancer care – visit the calendar in our website, https://www.rockymountaincancercenters.com/events
Myth: There is no vaccine against cancer.
Fact: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is cancer prevention. HPV is associated with approximately 90 percent of cervical cancer diagnoses, and about 50 percent of oropharyngeal cancer diagnoses. HPV is a vaccine preventable disease, and completion of vaccination before the age of 17 is associated with a 90 percent reduction of the risk of developing cervical cancer.
Myth: Chemotherapy always causes severe side effects.
Fact: While chemotherapy can have side effects, newer treatments are more targeted, and supportive medications can help manage nausea, fatigue, and other issues. Many patients tolerate treatment well and continue their daily activities. At RMCC, we believe in the unstoppable power of combining the fight and determination of our patients with the compassion and excellence of our team, empowering patients to be our partners and standing as warriors with them every step of their journey.
“Thanks to advancements in early detection and treatment, the number of cancer survivors is growing,” said Dr. Browning. “In the U.S. alone, more than 18 million cancer survivors are alive today, and that number is expected to keep growing. Many people live long, fulfilling and active lives for many years after a cancer diagnosis.”
Myth: If no one in my family has had cancer, then I won’t get it.
Fact: Only 5 to 10 percent of cancers are genetically inherited from our family. Most cases are the result of lifestyle factors such as nutrition, smoking, unprotected and prolonged sun exposure, and unpredictable, random genetic mutations. Regular screenings and healthy habits are important for everyone, even those without a family history of cancer.
“Many cancers, including breast, colorectal, cervical, and skin cancer, can be detected early through screenings,” said Dr. Archuleta. “The earlier the cancer is found, the higher the chance of successful treatment. Regular mammograms, colonoscopies, and skin checks significantly reduce mortality rates.”
RMCC is part of The U.S. Oncology Network, a highly respected national organization collaborating to advance innovative care and deliver optimal outcomes. As Colorado’s leader in cancer treatment, we’ve been delivering world-class cancer care with compassion and expertise for more than 30 years, and we make our patients’ lives easier by offering coordinated care access in 19 locations throughout Colorado. So, if you find yourself facing new challenges in your health journey, we’ll be on your side, empowering Your Courage with Our Proven Experience.
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Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers (RMCC) is an independent, physician-led practice that delivers leading-edge technology and treatment options and conducts innovative research. For more than 30 years, RMCC has pioneered community-based care to enable more cancer patients to receive high-quality treatment while staying close to the support of family and friends.
Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers treats more adult cancer than any other healthcare organization in Colorado, providing 19 locations and a network of 54 physicians specializing in cancer care throughout the state. RMCC is collectively focused on treating cancer and blood disorders with advanced technology and innovative research no matter where you live, while taking a community-based approach of integrated subspecialty oncology care. This enables patients to access leading-edge treatment while living at home and receiving the critical support of family and friends.
Patients who are treated at RMCC can participate in some of the most promising national clinical trials for a broad range of cancers. RMCC has played a role in the development of more than 100 FDA-approved cancer-fighting drugs – about one-third of cancer therapies approved by the FDA to date. At any given time, more than 150 national clinical trials are open throughout The Network.
Media Contacts
RMCC Media
RMCCmedia@usoncology.com