Leading cancer charity reveals hair loss is not the most common side-effect of cancer

•  Macmillan Cancer Support is tackling misinformation about cancer after its research finds more than half of people in the UK (58%) hold ‘outdated’ and ‘inaccurate’ views about the condition.
• The charity is concerned these widespread views, often shaped by inaccurate information being shared on social media and online, could risk people missing out on vital support
• The Chief Medical Officer is urging anyone who has questions about cancer to reach out to Macmillan for trusted advice and support.

Over half of people in the UK have ‘outdated’ views about cancer that could risk patients missing out on vital support and being more vulnerable to health misinformation, a leading charity is warning.

Data from Macmillan Cancer Support shows 58% of UK adults — an estimated 31 million people across the UK — believe one or more common misconceptions about cancer^_[1].

As almost one in two people will get cancer in their lifetime^_[2], the 114-year-old charity is reminding people how to get hold of accurate information to tackle these misconceptions and misinformation to ensure that no one misses out on accessing the vital support they need.

Two of the most common misconceptions revealed by the data are that hair loss is the most common side effect of cancer (42%)^_[3] and that a cancer diagnosis is a ‘death sentence’ for most people (31%).

In fact, previous research by Macmillan shows fewer than 1 in 4 people lose their hair during treatment^_[4], and many people continue to lead active, meaningful lives during and after cancer treatment.

Richard Simcock, Chief Medical Officer at Macmillan Cancer Support, says: “People have access to more information than ever before via their smartphones, the internet and AI, but it’s difficult to know if the information you receive in this way is always accurate. Quite often people will say ‘I know I shouldn’t, but I googled’, which can be a negative experience leaving people frightened and confused. This is extremely concerning when these sources aren’t always reliable, trusted and accurate.

“Alongside this, many people continue to hold outdated views on cancer, but diagnosis and treatment have come a long way in the last 10 years alone. For anyone who has questions about cancer, my recommendation would always be to reach out to trusted sources like Macmillan either on its website, or you can speak to a specialist adviser for free on its Support Line.”

Priyanka, a young married mother was working as a schoolteacher when she was diagnosed with grade 3 triple negative breast cancer in May 2022. She is hugely passionate about talking about cancer, to help break down the misconceptions and ensure people get the right information:

“I feel there are two reasons for misinformation about cancer — either people don’t talk about it because they are scared and that’s why they hold old fashioned views, or they get false information unknowingly on the internet. It’s so important we change this. When I was diagnosed, I did the opposite, I didn’t think about not talking to the children or not talking to my family or friends. I wanted to do this, to help protect the future generation. Especially in my community, where cancer remains a taboo for so many including those in my own family.

“We were so grateful for the Macmillan nurses. They helped us understand what my cancer diagnosis meant for me and my family. The information they gave me helped me talk about it to my two young children.”

Macmillan is constantly updating information on its website and has specialist nurses on its support line and webchat who can provide the most up to date information and answer your questions about cancer. They work with community groups throughout the UK to help tackle misconceptions about cancer to help ensure everyone has access to the information and support they need.

For information, support or just someone to talk to, call Macmillan’s free, confidential support line 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 or visit macmillan.org.uk/whateveryouneed.

For more information please contact; media@macmillan.org.uk.

The reality behind common misconceptions about cancer:

Hair loss is the most common side-effect of treatment:

Hair loss is a potential side effect of certain cancer treatments, particularly chemotherapy. However, it’s not universal and depends on the specific drugs used. Other treatments, like radiotherapy, may cause hair loss only in the targeted area. Moreover, not all chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss, and some patients may experience minimal or no hair loss at all. Previous research by Macmillan shows fewer than one in four people with cancer (22%) experience hair loss as a result of their cancer or its treatment^_[5].

Common side effects vary widely depending on the type of cancer and treatment. Macmillan’s previous research shows people with cancer are actually more likely to experience severe fatigue (33%), scarring (28%), and bowel or bladder issues (24%) than hair loss^_[6].

That cancer is still a death sentence for most people:

While cancer remains the most common cause of death in the UK^_[7], advancements in cancer detection and treatment have significantly improved survival rates (see below). Many cancers are now treatable, and patients can live long, fulfilling lives post-diagnosis. Early detection and personalised treatment plans have contributed to these improved outcomes.

The average survival following a cancer diagnosis is less than a year:

This is an outdated statistic. There is still much need for improvement, particularly for some cancer types and compared with other countries, however average survival rates for cancer patients in the UK have increased significantly in recent decades. One study showed that in England and Wales in the 1970s, around half of people with cancer survived an average of one year, whereas by 2010 around half of patients survived an average of 10 years^_[8].

You can’t live a good life with cancer:

Many individuals continue to lead active, meaningful lives during and after cancer treatment. Supportive care, rehabilitation, and coping strategies enable patients to manage symptoms and maintain quality of life.

Cancer only really happens in old age:

While the risk of cancer increases with age, it can affect individuals of all ages, including children and young adults. Certain cancers are more prevalent in younger populations, such as testicular cancer^_[9], and there is evidence to suggest rates of cancer are increasing faster among the under-50s than in older age groups across Western Europe as well as many other parts of the world^_[10].

Cancer is something to be ashamed of:

Cancer is a medical condition, not a personal failing. Stigmatising the disease can hinder open discussions and support-seeking behavior. Sharing experiences and seeking support are crucial for coping and recovery.

About Macmillan Cancer Support

Macmillan Cancer Support has spent more than 100 years helping people living with cancer. We know that cancer can disrupt your whole life. And it can be made worse simply because of who you are and where you live. But we’re here to change that. The number of people diagnosed with cancer is growing, and every one of them needs the best support to meet their unique needs. That’s why we’ll do whatever it takes to help everyone living with cancer across the UK get the support they need right now and transform cancer care for everyone who will be diagnosed in the future.

1. Macmillan Cancer Support/YouGov survey of 8,509 adults in the UK, including 689 people aged 18–24 years, and 765 people from one of the following ethnic groups: Black, Asian, mixed or multiple ethnicities, Chinese, Arab, Gypsy or Irish Traveller, any other ethnic group (excluding White). Fieldwork was undertaken between 4th — 8th April 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+). 58% figure based on the number of respondents who met one or more of the following criteria:
   
   - Selected ‘Less than 1 year’ for the question ‘Thinking about people who are diagnosed with cancer in the UK today…In general, how long do you think an average person survives following a cancer diagnosis?’
   
   - Agreed with one or more of the following statements: ‘Cancer is still a death sentence for most people’, ‘Cancer is a disease you only really get in old age’, ‘Hair loss is the most common side-effect of cancer treatment’
   
   - Disagreed with one or more of the following statements: ‘Having cancer is nothing to be ashamed of’, ‘You can still live a good life with cancer’
   
   Figure of 31 million people estimated by applying the 58% figure to the total UK adult population (aged 18+) of 54.2 million, derived from: Office for National Statistics. Estimates of the population for the UK, England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. October 2024 (accessed April 2025). Relevant figures shown in ‘MYE2 — Persons’ tab in the mid-2023 edition of this dataset.
2. Cancer Research UK. Lifetime risk of cancer. Estimate calculated by the Cancer Intelligence Team at Cancer Research UK, 2023
3. As per ref 1
4. Macmillan Cancer Support/YouGov survey of 2,079 UK adults who have had a cancer diagnosis. Fieldwork was undertaken between 22nd February — 13th March 2022. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all people living with cancer. Question wording was as follows: Have you experienced any of the following physical or emotional impacts as a result of your cancer or its treatment? Please select all that apply.
5. As per ref 4
6. As per ref 4
7. Refers to cause of death from overall disease group, i.e. all types of cancer combined compared with e.g. all types of dementia combined, and all types of heart disease and stroke combined. Based on a combination of analysis from the following sources: 1) Office for National Statistics. Deaths registered in England and Wales, 2023. Relevant figures shown in table 7 of the 2023 dataset 2) National Records of Scotland. Vital Events Reference Tables 2023 — National Records of Scotland (NRS); Relevant figures shown in table 6.04 of the 2023 dataset 3) Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. Registrar General Annual Report 2023 Cause of Death | Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency; Relevant figures shown in table 6.1 of the 2023 dataset. Accessed April 2025
8. ‘Average survival’ in this context refers to index of net survival. For patients diagnosed in 1971–72, the index of net survival was 50% at 1 year after diagnosis. For 2011–12, the same value of 50% was predicted at 10 years after diagnosis. Source: Quaresma M, Coleman MP, Rachet B. 40-year trends in an index of survival for all cancers combined and survival adjusted for age and sex for each cancer in England and Wales, 1971–2011: a population-based study. Lancet 2015; 385: 1206–1218. doi: 10.1016/S0140–6736(14)61396–9
9. NHS England National Disease Registration Service (NDRS). Cancer incidence and mortality. Both rates and number of diagnoses of testicular cancer are highest among men aged 25–44. Accessed April 2025
10. Zhao J, Xu L, Sun J et al. Global trends in incidence, death, burden and risk factors of early-onset cancer from 1990 to 2019: BMJ Oncology 2023; 2: e000049. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjonc-2023-000049