CONDITION AnorexiaMyth: Treatable with a combination of drugs and therapy.
BMJ advice: There are no drugs that can cure anorexia and no strong research evidence that any treatments work well.
Anxiety
Myth: Tranquillisers can cure anxiety.
BMJ advice: There are no quick fixes. Talking treatments (cognitive therapy) and certain drugs (some antidepressants) may help but doctors don't know which is best.
Back pain
Myth: Best cure is rest
BMJ advice: Staying in bed doesn't help, it won't make the pain any better and could be harmful. Staying active is best remedy.
Breast cancer
Myth: Mastectomy (removal of the breast) is the safest option to prevent return of cancer.
BMJ advice: Breast-conserving surgery (only the lump is removed) is just as effective for locally advanced disease with the same 10-year survival rate.
Heart failure
Myth: Exercise can be dangerous where the heart is failing and may precipitate a heart attack.
BMJ advice: A moderate amount of exercise is beneficial. Drug treatments, such as ACE inhibitors and beta blockers, work.
Prostate cancer
Myth: Surgery, radiotherapy and hormone treatment are necessary to save life.
BMJ advice: Where the cancer has not spread, patients but "watchful waiting", with regular check-ups, are likely to live just as long.
Wisdom teeth
Myth: When they don't come through the gum properly (impacted), dentists often recommend removal.
BMJ advice: If they are not causing problems, taking them out is likely to do more harm than good.
OPERATION Adenoldectomy
Removal of adenoids at the back of nasal cavity.
Myth: The only way to improve breathing and prevent ear infections in children.
BMJ advice: The problems will usually clear up of their own accord, as the child grows. The operation works best in children who still have persistent problems aged five or more.
Grommets
Small tubes inserted in the ear drum to drain fluid from the middle ear.
Myth: Cure for glue ear.
BMJ advice: Most children grow out of glue ear. There is no good evidence demonstrating that fitting grommets is better than doing without.
Tonsillectomy
Removal of tonsils at the back of the throat.
Myth: The cure for repeated sore throats and ear infections.
BMJ advice: Taking antibiotics may be just as good. There is no good evidence to show that the operation reduces throat infections.