Reality: False, the American Cancer Society (ACS) reports. This rumor, which is most common among older African-Americans, causes many of them to decline potentially lifesaving lung surgery.

There is no relationship between the spread of the tumor and exposure to air; however, people who don't have surgery until late stages of the disease (when the cancer has spread) do not have good health prognoses.

Rumor: Certain brands of red lipstick contain poisonous levels of lead.

Reality: False, according to the urban-legend research Web site Snopes.com.

The dyes in cosmetics must be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Although some colorants that the FDA approves do contain lead, the amounts are so minuscule that they're harmless. Each time a manufacturer creates a batch of dye, the FDA must test that lot. Only this government agency can certify that a color is safe.

Note: Eye makeup containing kohl is a source of lead poisoning, according to the FDA. For more FDA warnings about cosmetics ingredients, visit its Cosmetics page.

Rumor: Deodorant causes breast cancer.

Reality: False, says the ACS. But the jury may still be out.

The most definitive research on this topic, a study performed on about 1,600 women at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, found no link between breast cancer and antiperspirant. Yet studies reported in the past year raise interesting questions that need to be explored.

Chicago allergist Kris McGrath, M.D., asked 400 women about their history of using deodorant and shaving their underarms. When he correlated those answers with the incidence of breast cancer among this group, he found that the most frequent shavers (three or more times per week, with deodorant use at least twice a week) might be at greater risk.

The sample of women was small, however, and the test lacked a control group--both major research shortcomings. In another study, researchers in London found traces of preservatives contained in deodorants, known as parabens, in breast-cancer tumors. A direct link, however, was not proved.

Still, some people want to play it safe or fear a connection. You may want to consider using deodorants that don't contain aluminum salts, which in large doses can be toxic. Options include Tom's of Maine natural deodorants, crystal deodorant stones, and liquid rock made by Kiss My Face. All are available in health food stores.

Rumor: Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate--both common ingredients in toothpastes, mouthwashes, shampoos, bath products, and cleansers--cause cancer.

Reality: False, claims the ACS.

SLS and related compounds create foam and bubbles, which remove oil and soil from the hair and skin. Depending on how concentrated the ingredients are, they can irritate the eyes and skin, but they are not known to cause cancer.

Rumor: Anyone can diagnose someone who is having a stroke.

Reality: According to the American Heart Association, this is true.

Ask the person to smile, raise both arms, and speak a simple sentence. If he or she has trouble performing any of these tasks, call 911 immediately for an ambulance. Ignore the person's resistance (denial is common), and don't wait for a ride--but don't drive the individual to the hospital yourself, either.

Stroke occurs when the flow of blood, oxygen, and other nutrients to the brain is interrupted, starving the brain and causing damage to cells and nerves. Time is of the essence--particularly if the patient is having an ischemic stroke, the kind caused by a blood clot. A new drug called tPA can break up the clot, but only if it's administered within three hours of the onset of symptoms. Warning signs include the following:

1. Sudden weakness, numbness, or paralysis of the face, arm, or leg, typically on one side of the body;

2. Sudden disorientation or confusion;

3. Sudden loss of balance of coordination;

4. Sudden problem with vision;

5. Sudden headache of unknown origin;

6. Sudden pain whose location can't be pinpointed.

To investigate other health-related urban legends, visit snopes.com and then double-check with your physician. To learn more about cancer myths, visit mayoclinic.com.

Have you received any health rumors by email recently? Tell us about them in the comments section below.

Hilary Beard is a Philadelphia-based writer

Published on: 05/17/2004







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