Common Cancer Myths and Facts
Cancer is one word that is enough to haunt anybody. Cancer has been considered synonymous with ‘Death’ and ‘misery’. While earlier Cancer related deaths were highest in the developed countries, there has been a change in the trend over the last few decades as more number of cancer cases and deaths are being reported from the developing countries. Cancer is indeed a dreadful disease especially if it is detected in late stages.
However, with improved advances in chemotherapy, radiation therapy and introduction of newer methods of cancer treatment, cancer cases can now be managed better. Let us read in some detail about .common cancer myths and facts.
MEDICAL SCIENCE HAS MADE NO PROGRESS IN TREATING CANCER
FACT: Medical science has made progress in the last 4 decades with regards to all the aspects including: prevention, screening, and treatment. These treatments have improved quality of life and survival rates. These days approx. 64 % of cancer patients have a survival span of at least 5 years or more. Newer techniques of Cancer treatment include improved chemotherapy agents, targeted therapy, immunotherapy etc that target specific cancer cells and do minimal damage to healthier cells of the body.
Also, the routine side effects of cancer radiotherapy like: nausea, pain, mucositis, inflammation of skin etc. have been taken care of to a good extent for helping patients stay relatively comfortable throughout the cancer treatment.
CANCER THRIVES ON SUGAR
FACT: A very popular one amongst common cancer myths has to be this one. This statement is not conclusive as there is no solid evidence to support this. All cells need carbohydrates to thrive. However, including lots of sugary foods and refined Sugars in your diet can lead to other health problems like: Obesity, diabetes etc. which tend to deteriorate your immune system and general health. A decline in overall health predisposes you to developing Cancer.
A ketogenic diet that is low in Sugar and high in nutrient dense foods and good fats helps to help starve the cancer cells,, reduce inflammatory environment in body and also help in mitochondrial biogenesis.
SURGERY CAUSES CANCER TO SPREAD
FACT: Surgically treating certain cancers is important and in certain cases the only feasible option available to debride the Cancer tissue. Surgical procedures cannot cause the cancer to spread. Therefore, do not delay treatment because of this baseless myth.
ONLY YOUR MOTHER’S FAMILY HISTORY MATTERS WHEN IT COMES TO BREAST CANCER
FACT: Another common cancer myth is this one. This is untrue. The family history of both your parental sides matters when it comes to breast cancer or any type of cancer for that matter. Each one of us gets half of our genes from father and the other half from our mother. Breast cancer is mostly linked to genetic mutations and can occur in both men and women. Though, women are certainly more likely to get it because of the female hormones.
PERFUMED DOES LEAD TO BREAST CANCER
FACT: In our list of common cancer myths and facts, we had to include this popular misconception. There is no definite evidence to support this myth. While it totally makes sense to rely on natural and less controversial methods to control body odor, the chemicals used in underarm antiperspirants have not been proven to have any scientifically established relation to breast cancer.
So, this was our compilation of common cancer myths and facts.
