DEC 31, 2015 6:08 AM PST

Is Cancer Contagious? Not really...


Can you catch cancer? With the recent developments of immunotherapy for certain kinds of cancer, it would seem that perhaps cancer is somehow contagious. It's not. Germs that cause illnesses like the flu or the common cold are very different than cancer cells. While some forms of cancer do happen as the result of a virus, like HPV and cervical cancer, that doesn't mean that cancer is spread via those germs. The viral infection of HPV does not always lead to cancer, nor are all cervical cancers the result of HPV infection.

Check out these video on the differences between viral illnesses, germs, bacteria and cancer cells. And don't worry, while it might be cold and flu season there really is no cancer season. Resolve to make healthy choices in the coming new year and you should be well ahead of the pack.
About the Author
Bachelor's (BA/BS/Other)
I'm a writer living in the Boston area. My interests include cancer research, cardiology and neuroscience. I want to be part of using the Internet and social media to educate professionals and patients in a collaborative environment.
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