Myth: cancer spreads by touch

Fact: you cannot catch cancer from another person.

The facts

• Cancer does not spread by touching, hugging, sharing food or sitting together
• Be close to your loved one: it helps them

But some germs raise risk

• HPV can lead to cervical cancer
• Hepatitis B and C can lead to liver cancer
• These pass between people, but the cancer itself does not

Protection

• Vaccines protect against HPV and hepatitis B
• Ask your doctor about them

Sources

• National Cancer Institute: Common cancer myths and misconceptions