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Cancer is a deadly and dangerous disease. The various misconceptions about cancer and its treatment floating around on the internet further add to its unsavoury reputation. They add to the stress of the patient and family alike. We lay to rest 10 of the most common cancer myths-
1. Myth: Eating sugar will worsen your cancer woes
Fact:This misconception about cancer arises from the fact that all cells require glucose (sugar) for energy, and cancer cells consume a higher amount of energy for rapid multiplication. However, eating sugar has no link to the growth of cancer cells.Yet, cutting down on sugar is advised because excess consumption can cause obesity and diabetes. These conditions can add to the complications resulting from cancer.
2.Myth: A biopsy will cause cancer to spread
Fact:One of the common cancer myths is that biopsies displaces cancer cells to the surrounding areas and thus spread cancer. Such beliefs are utterly unfounded because even if cancer cells get displacedto the surrounding regions, the other immune cells may kill cancer cells. Biopsy procedures are essential for cancer diagnosis. They helpin determining the cancer stage and assist with the treatment. Studies have shownthat patients who have undergone biopsy procedures have better survival rates than patients who do not undergo the same.
3.Myth: Radiations from cellphones cause cancer
Fact:There is no conclusive evidence to prove that cellphone radiations can cause cancer. Concerns arise becausecellphones give off radiofrequency (RF) waves which can raise the temperature. However, the energy from the RF waves emitted by cellphones is too low to heat up and damage the body cells or promote the growth of tumours.
4. Myth: Hair dyes can cause cancer
Fact:Hair dyes contain various chemicals,which gives rise to the popularcancermyth that dyes can be carcinogenic. However, research has shown that there is no confirming evidence that dyes can cause cancer. The chemicals used dyes in the present times are not potent enough to cause serious damage to body cells and expose you to risks of cancer. However, a few chemicals in the dyes can lead to itching in scalp, skin irritability and other minor ailments.
5. Myth: Chemotherapy is painful
Fact:Pain is often falsely attributed tochemotherapy. Chemotherapy techniques have advanced to a level where it can be undertaken as an outpatient treatment. In this procedure, the medications are administered orally or intravenously. Although chemotherapy comes with its downsides, pain is not a part of the treatment.
6. Myth: Chemotherapy will always have side effects
Fact:Over the years, advancement in chemotherapy has minimised the side effects of the treatment. Earlier, nausea and sickness was a common side-effect of theprocedure but has now become a rarity. Moreover, a major concern about chemotherapy is that it suppresses the immunity of the body. Although the treatment may cause a decrease in white blood cell count, it is not significant enough to compromise your immunity.
7.Myth:Hair does not grow back after chemotherapy
Facts:Earlier experiencing hair loss was common after chemotherapy. However, with the advance in the treatment, many patients do not lose hair. Also, the hair does grow back sometime after you discontinue the treatment .
8. Myth:There is always a possibility of relapse
Facts:If cancer is detected in the early stages and the treatment is promptly started, the chances of a relapse are very less.
9. Myth: You are likely to get it if someone in your family has cancer
Facts:Not every cancer is hereditary. Cancers are caused by genetic mutations usually by external factors like smoking, exposure to radiation and other environmental factors. There are separate cancers called hereditary or familial cancers that are caused due to a genetic mutation that is inherited from the family. These cancers form just 5 -10% of the total cancers. Hence, the probability of you developing cancer if someone in your family has or had it depends on the type of cancer.
10. Myth:Cancer is contagious
Facts:Cancers are generally not contagious. They cannot spread easily from person to person. This can occur only in the case of an organ or tissue transplant wherein the donor has existing or a history of cancer. However, doctors check the medical history of donors before proceeding with a transplant. Hence the possibility of this too is rare.
There is a lot of information on the internet that is most of the time FALSE. Thus, you need to verify cancer myths and facts with your doctor or a cancer specialist before you believe anything from the internet or your family or friends.
And it is also a myth that cancer is a death sentence. The deadly disease is curable with proper treatment and quality care. However, most of the times, these are expensive. Hence, to secure your and your family’s life financially from such uncertainties, consider investing incancer insurance. Cancer insurance in Indiais becoming increasingly popular as it offers you financial assistance to cover the medical expenses arising from diagnosis to recuperation. The ease of getting a cancer insurance plan, low-premiums and extensive coverage make the plan your best bet for fighting cancer. Make sure you check the features and analyse your needs and compare the features of the cancer insurance plan before you purchase it.