Can Cancer spread from one Person to Another? Know more

Time to read 2 min

No, cancer is not a communicable disease and can't spread from one person to another how infections or viruses can spread. When asking is cancer a communicable disease it is important to know that only in very rare cases can this happen in cancer patients.


The cancer contagious or cancer diagnosis spreading myth can be dispelled by understanding how cancer cells interact in the body and the overall cancer risk present. There may be metastatic cancer present in which case the cancer can spread from one part of the body to another, but not to another person.


In rare cases, such as in organ transplants and when the immune system is severely compromised, there may be a risk of cancer spreading. However, you don't develop cancer through the communicable route.

Cancer cannot be spread via the following forms

There are several myths around how cancer can spread, which is why it is important to understand how cancer cells metastasize. If you or your loved one has cancer, then it is important to know what type of cancer, its growth rate, and remission risk.


It is also important to educate those around them about how developing cancer can not mean spreading cancer to other people. Whether its lung cancer, liver cancer, or head and neck cancers, there is limited risk of it spreading through communicable routes.

Exchanging salvia

Cancer cannot spread from one person to another through saliva as per the national cancer institute. There is minimal risk in exchanging toothbrushing, kissing, and other forms of physical contact.

Through touch

Touch is another cancer myth that may be present in the minds of some. You should know that skin contact is not a way through which cancer can spread to people.



Contact via air

A person with nasopharyngeal cancer can't directly spread it to another person just via breathing. Cancer cell transmission isn't directly possible via breathing the same air with another person with tumor cells.

Contact with blood

One of the other major common cancer myths is that cancer can be spread by coming into contact with the person's blood. You can't catch cancer through this form, as it is not a contagious disease.

Sharing restroom

You can share a restroom with someone who has cancer, without exposing yourself to the disease. You can also educate others about bathroom usage for someone with cancer, especially in offices and at homes.

Intercourse

Intercourse is also not a way through which cancer can spread. You don't need to worry about this as a risk factor if your partner has the disease.

These are some of the other myths that should be dispelled

There are a handful of cancer myths present that should be addressed when someone has cancer or there is a cancer risk present. This can help them understand their own condition better while getting the right type of treatment and care.

Phones can't cause cancer

The radiation produced by phones can't cause cancer in people. This is important to know when there is a cancer risk present and the person may feel hesitant in using their phones.

Herbal medicine can't cure cancer

Cancer requires medical treatment and highly specialized cancer medication. Herbal medicines may not be effective in curing the condition, as they are not designed to treat cancer specifically.

Surgery can't cause cancer to spread

There may be a myth around biopsies or cancer surgeries spreading cancer to other parts of the body. This is a myth that isn't based on science or medical innovation. There is no connection between surgery and cancer spreading.


Medical Disclaimer - The following information is for educational purposes only. No information provided on this website, including text, graphic, and images, are intended as substitutes for professional medical advice. Please consult with your doctor about specific medical advice pertaining to your condition(s).

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