Cancer is everybody’s nightmare – a nightmare that no one wants to have. After all, it wreaks havoc on the body and mind. We may not have a cure for cancer yet but we do have ample literature that has proved extremely helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Sadly, even after having access to this vast literature about cancer, there still remain some myths we have not been able to get rid of. As word of mouth travels fast, these myths have not ceased to exist.
In this blog post, we will do our best to get rid of these myths with as much simplification as possible.
A lump in the breast is always cancerous
There is no denying that a lump in the breast is one of the symptoms. But it isn’t always the case. A lump can be caused due to various dermatological issues that have nothing to do with cancer. The fact is, only a small percentage of lumps turn out to be cancerous.
Nevertheless, you must get it checked by doctors before panicking.
Chemotherapy is painful and has various side-effects
The only reason chemotherapy is dreaded is because people think it is painful. It will be reassuring to know that chemotherapy isn’t always painful. The actual infusion process may even be painless.
Although side effects may result from chemotherapy, the actual infusion process or oral form of chemotherapy is not necessarily painful. However, you can expect some discomfort.
Moreover, it also depends on the kind of cancer. Some chemotherapy administered to treat breast cancer can cause pain in the bones or joints.
Cancer means the end of life
Cancer is fatal in some cases, but you may find comfort in the silver lining that there are a good number of cancer recoveries as well. The fact that there are many cancer survivors sheds a ray of hope that cancer, while a serious issue, does not always mean the end of life. Early detection and treatment, and quitting smoking and drinking habits, all play an immense role in promising recoveries.
Herbal remedies treat cancer
If you ever come across an herbal product that says it cures cancer, it’s better to stay away. They’re scamsters preying on your money and faith. If there ever was an herbal remedy that cured cancer, there wouldn’t be millions of doctors and scientists working day and night to find cancer cures.
Some remedies may help with the symptoms and discomfort, but they cannot cure cancer. Remember that.
Sugar can make cancer grow faster
Sugar is not the enemy – at least when we are talking about natural sugar. Artificial sugar, or processed sugar definitely are, as it causes various health issues. But there is no certainty that cancer is one of those health issues. We still require more research to understand the link between cancer and diet, particularly sugar.
While it is true that all kinds of cells require glucose for energy. However, excess consumption of this sugar doesn’t make cancerous cells grow faster. On the contrary, lack of sugar doesn’t slow down the growth either.
The myth may have come to the surface because of PET scans that use a form of glucose. The tissues in the body absorb some of this tracer, but tissues that use more energy — including cancer cells — absorb higher amounts. Consequently, some people believe that cancerous cells use more sugar to grow. But this isn’t true.
If you don’t have a family history of cancer, you are not at risk
While there is no denying that a family history of cancer increases your risk of getting cancer in the future, it doesn’t mean you’re not at risk if you never had cancer in your family.
Yes, 5-10% of all cancer cases are genetic but cancer is also caused by certain lifestyle factors including smoking, sun exposure, and unhealthy eating habits. These factors can cause genetic mutations, resulting in cancer.
Closing thoughts
As we deal with a deadly disease like cancer, it’s crucial to dispel the myths surrounding it. By debunking misconceptions, we are retaining accurate information and paving the way for a more informed and supportive community. Let’s foster awareness, encourage early detection, and promote a compassionate understanding of those affected by cancer. Together, we can contribute to a world where knowledge triumphs over myths, and where individuals facing cancer find strength, support, and hope.
