Story Content

According to World Health Organisation (WHO), it is accounted for 10 million deaths in 2020 across country and 39.5% of people are diagnosed ones in their lifetime in U.S.

Though, this disease is really a big point of concern but due to certain myths and misconception, creates needless worries and therefore hinder good prevention and somehow treatment options.

Some of the myths given here, which are associated with cancer. This article help people to clarify misconception about these myths. 

1. Is Cancer a death sentence?

Many people when diagnosed with cancer, thinks that now there is no more chance of their survival. But the truth is Cancer is not a death sentence. With the science advancement and technologies, there are better and improved treatments available, which help to increase recovery and thus health improvements. 

For instances, in U.S., the survival rates have doubled in the last 40 years and also in 2019, 16.9 million cancer survivors are estimated who are living normal life. The survival rate of cancer also depends on the type of cancer like in the U.K., survival rates for testicular cancer are 98%, whereas survival rates for pancreatic cancer are just 1%.

Overall, cancer death rates are slowly declining.

2. Is Cancer contagious?

Cancer is contagious is a myth as it does not spread from one person to another. This is especially for those who started avoiding people or even closed ones, diagnosed with cancer.  However, some sexually transmitted diseases like human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B and C, can cause cancers in the cervix and the liver.  In these cases, cancer caused due to an infectious agent, but not from the cancer patients.

3. Cell phones cause cancer ?

As per National Cancer Institute, no evidence till date found that confirms that cell phones causes cancer. The myth has developed as cell phone emits non-ionising radiations (radio waves), which is absorbed by the body. Unlike X-rays, which are ionising radiation and can cause cancer, but  radiations from cell phones are non-ionising and are not strong enough to damage DNA and thus does not increase cancer risk. 

4. Cancer surgery or tumour biopsy causes cancer to spread in the body ?

The chance of cancer spread during surgery is very low are can say this is only a partial myth. It is true that cancer surgery can cause the cancer to spread, but the chances is rare. Doctors are well experts and using advanced tools in their surgery. 

5. Can Herbal medicines cure cancer ?

People diagnosed with cancer believes that herbal medicines can prevent or cure their disease but as per the studies, no evidences have found which can treat or cure cancer. However, certain alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, meditation, and yoga, can help to relieve  cancer associated psychological stress and its side effects. According to National cancer Institute, using herbal medicines is not always but sometimes can harm also to person’s health.

 6. Is Cancer hereditary? 

It has been estimated that only 3-10% of cancers, which is the result of mutation, transfer in families. But cases are very rare. People are more likely to develop cancer as they age. As per the American Cancer Society , some types of cancer may run in families but most cancers are not clearly linked to the genes we inherit from our parents. 

7. If no one in family has cancer, does it mean I’m free from cancer risk?

Most cancers are caused due to mutation or genetic changes that occurs ones in the lifetime naturally either due to aging or environmental factor like radiation. This is not true that people who do not have cancer patient in their family are free from cancer risk. Recent data also shows that about 38 percent of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lives. Other factors includes tobacco exposure, kind of food you eat etc. may also influence the risk of developing cancer.

8. Does hair dye use increase the risk of cancer?

No scientific evidence shows that use of hair dyes increases the risk of cancer. However, some studies suggest, that barbers and hairdressers who are in regular exposure to large quantities of hair dye and other chemical products, may have an increased risk of bladder cancer

9. Can Stress Causes Cancer ?

No, being in stress condition, does not cause cancer. Many studies for several years on many people, shows no scientific evidence on this. Stress is a normal condition, mostly people have and they should manage their stress level for smooth life.

10. Is there no cure for cancer ?

Thankfully, this is also a myth. Many scientist days that successful treatment of cancer depends upon its severity and spread. Some cancers can be eradicated but this is not true for all cancers. They can be controlled with the effective treatment.  Due to advancement in treatments, chance of cure has been increase and grow more effective.

According to Dr. Vu, cancers like, testicular and thyroid cancer, have a 60% cure rate and around 50% for cancers like breast, prostate, and bladder cancer. 

Dr. Anton Bilchik, a surgical oncologist, at Saint John’s Cancer Institute Santa Monica, CA also gave a message through MNT that even if patients who are diagnosed with cancer, even at an advanced stage, do not lose hope: there are many effective, novel therapies, as well as more effective surgical techniques. 

A good example is with the use of modern immunotherapy, up to 40% of patients with stage 4 melanoma are curable, and 50% of patients with stage 4 colon cancer metastatic to the liver can be cured with a combination of chemotherapy and surgery.”