Health & wellness

10 Common Myths About Cancer

10 Common Myths About Cancer

As the World Cancer Day approaches, we are debilitating a few common myths about cancer which lead to unnecessary stress and fear in patients. Continue reading for the common myths about cancer.

Common Myths About Cancer

Although cancer is the most common condition known to most people. However, along with awareness they are also surrounded by certain myths and misconceptions. That is why it is hard to control the growing number of cancer deaths and suffering. Here we have debunked some of the common myths about cancer. They also act as an obstacle to the effective and timely cancer treatment.

1. A diagnosis of cancer means life’s end

Cancer has never been treated as a death sentence and rates of survival are increasing. In the past 25 years, cancer-related deaths in the United States have declined by 27%. The rate of survival over five years is currently 90% for thyroid, breast and prostate cancer. Reduced smoking rates, early detection, and early care are major variables in this transition. Other factors influencing survival rates include the types of care available and the degree to which cancer has spread.

10 Common Myths About Cancer

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2. Biopsy or surgery may cause cancer to spread

This is a very dangerous misconception. Early diagnosis is one of the best tools in the battle against cancer and delaying testing and care will lower the chances of survival. Some people claim that cancers exposed to air or punctured by a needle, or during surgery, will spread to other tissues. There are no surgical evidence supporting the theory that exposure to air spreads cancer. Modern surgeons also take preventive steps to ensure that cancer cells do not spread to other areas of the body during surgery.

3. Excessive sugar consumption can worsen your condition

While cancer cells have been shown to be consuming more glucose than standard cells, according to the National Cancer Institute, there is no evidence that eating sugar can either cause cancer cells to growth, or that preventing sugar completely can cause them to shrink. So, don’t believe everything that you’ve read. First check the facts.

10 Common Myths About Cancer

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4. Cancer is contagious

Although a family history of cancer may increase the likelihood of someone contracting the disease, no form of cancer can be passed from person to person. There is an exceedingly low risk that the organ transplant recipient will be able to contract cancer from the donor tissue. However, surgeons should not use the organs of patients with a history of cancer. Some viruses that cause cancer (such as HPV) can be spread from one person to another, but cancer is not contagious.

5. Certain cosmetics cause cancer

Since deodorant is sprayed under your arms near the breast tissue, it is common confusion that it causes breast cancer. Moreover, many people claim that hair color or other methods that use strong odor chemicals cause cancer. There is no proof that the chemicals used in deodorants or antiperspirants cause breast tissue changes. In addition, there is no proof that the use of personal hair dye raises your risk of cancer.

10 Common Myths About Cancer

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6. Advances in technology mean that we’re supposed to cure cancer by now

Cancer is a complex disease that mutates into healthy human cells. The word cancer is used to identify over 100 similar diseases that also have different properties. In addition, the cells begin to mutate throughout the course of the disease, making it more difficult to study. Significant advances have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, but much needs to be learned.

7. Cancer cures are being withheld

Some of the prejudices that fuel this myth include the notion that cures are either too costly to make, or that the government uses illness to manipulate the population. None of these ideas are valid, however. The FDA and cancer treatment teams around the world are consistently making strides in the fight against cancer. However, any procedure must be subject to stringent safety checks to ensure that there are no unsafe hazards. Creating medicines that are both safe and effective also means that they are slow to get on the market.

8. Cancer is a modern human-made disease

Although humans have developed many things that are not environmentally friendly, cancer has existed long before we can imagine it. In reality, dinosaur bones have been detected with cancer. Recently, the femur of a 240 million-year-old turtle ancestor has been found with signs of bone cancer. Longer life expectancy and improved screening methods make it seem that more cancer occurs today.

9. Smartphones cause cancer

There is no proof that any mobile phone may cause cancer. There is no evidence. Cancer is caused by gene mutations, with cellular phones not mutating low-frequency radiation. Multiple studies have been performed on the correlation between mobile phones and cancer, and no links have been identified.

10. Superfoods can stop cancer

Although a balanced diet can make you feel better, your system cannot eradicate cancer. Raw fruit and vegetables contribute to a healthier lifestyle that can help prevent obesity and other risks of cancer. Superfoods are only balanced choices and not superpowered foods.

10 Common Myths About Cancer

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So, these are 10 common myths about cancer.

Knowledge is power and the elimination of common myths is a way of spreading knowledge.

In general, cancer is caused by destroying gene mutations. This is a hereditary disorder – but inherited characteristics only affect a fraction of the cancers. In most cases, cancer is a mixture of environmental and lifestyle factors examined by physicians. There are deliberate steps people can take to reduce their cancer risk, including healthy weight, whole-food consumption, healthy eating and exercise. When it comes to the causes and treatment of cancer, there are many common theories to refute.

Also Read: World Cancer Day: History, Significance, And Themes

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