Welcome to the first installment of our HBOT MythBusters series, where we shine a light on the most common misconceptions about hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Let’s dive in.
Myth 1: HBOT makes cancer grow out of control
Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been shown to have the opposite effect on cancer through several mechanisms. HBOT encourages healthy cells to use fat and fatty acids for energy, instead of relying primarily on glucose. This matters because cancer cells act like “spoiled brats,” preferring glucose for their rapid, anaerobic growth, which results in toxic waste buildup.
By flooding the body with oxygen, hyperbaric oxygen therapy creates an environment that is far less hospitable to cancer cells, it also supports the immune system by activating natural killer cells, modulating tumor-suppressor genes like p53, and regulating growth factors.
Additionally, HBOT helps protect healthy cells during radiotherapy while making cancer cells more vulnerable to treatment, and in some cases improves chemotherapy effectiveness. Of course, some chemotherapies should not be used with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and this is why a proper consultation with a qualified hyperbaric physician is so important.
At NOAH Clinics, we offer a free initial evaluation to determine if the treatment is right for you.
Myth 2: Isn’t too much oxygen toxic to the lungs?
Technically, yes, too much oxygen can be harmful but it is all about dosage and exposure time. Hyperbaric specialists use a formula called oxygen tolerance units, or OTUs, to calculate safe treatment levels. Most hyperbaric sessions involve 100% oxygen for 90 minutes at pressures ranging from 1.3 to 2.8 ATA. At the highest medical-grade pressure of 3.0 ATA, the body reaches about 270 OTUs. Lung damage does not even begin to occur until 825 OTUs, leaving a wide margin of safety.
It is also reassuring to know that oxygen tolerance resets every 24 hours. So, even the most intensive hyperbaric session stays well within safe parameters. In short, HBOT protocols are carefully designed to keep patients far from any toxic oxygen exposure.
Myth 3: Oxygen is toxic to the brain
It is true that extremely high oxygen levels can potentially cause brain toxicity, such as seizures, but HBOT is administered under strict medical supervision to prevent this. At NOAH Clinics, each patient undergoes thorough screening to rule out any conditions that could increase risk, such as elevated carbon dioxide levels found in severe COPD.
During therapy, trained hyperbaric technicians closely monitor each session, using carefully controlled treatment times, air brakes, and protocols proven to avoid these rare side effects. A scuba diver is at greater risk of oxygen toxicity than a patient lying comfortably in a chamber watching TV.
Myth 4: Doesn’t HBOT cause oxidation?
This is a great question and a common concern. HBOT does increase the production of free radicals, but it also stimulates the body’s own antioxidant defenses, such as superoxide dismutase. This enzyme neutralizes free radicals more effectively than your body would on its own, creating a beneficial balance.
Overall, HBOT’s ability to enhance oxygen delivery, strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, promote healing, and support healthy cell function far outweighs the small increase in free radicals. The net effect is overwhelmingly positive, encouraging tissue repair, reducing pain, and even supporting stem cell growth and regeneration.
Stay tuned for more entries in our HBOT MythBusters series, where we will continue to tackle common questions and clear up confusion. For more in-depth information, visit our Conditions pages and blogs.
