7 Cancer Myths Debunked
Cancer is a term applied to a plethora of over 200 conditions. It progresses when cells mutate and activate to multiply irrepressibly, without normal cell death mechanisms. These malignant cells often escalate to other parts of the body where they mutilate more tissue.
Cancer myths and misapprehensions spread half-truths and can stop people from getting detected and getting the suitable treatment. It can also instigate feelings of stigma and taboo that surrounds this ailment.
Following are some cancer myths that needs to be busted.
Myth #1: Cancer is always fatal
Modern medicine has made significant advances in cancer treatment. Cancer is no longer the death sentence it once was decades ago. It is estimated that 40% of people detected with cancer are disease-free in under 5 years. The 5-year survival rate is a very crucial benchmark to foresee overall recovery from cancer. Early diagnosis greatly progresses the survival rate.
Myth #2: Cancer is contagious
Unlike most illnesses that are triggered by viruses, bacteria, or other microorganisms, cancer is a result of changes in cellular DNA. These variations are often random. In most cases, these mutated cells are demolished by cell death mechanisms but if these mechanisms don’t work, then it progresses into cancer. While cancer can escalate within the body, it cannot be spread from one person to another.
Myth #3: Radiation therapy will kill you
Cancer radiation therapy can be mentally and physically draining but it is a life-saving treatment. Radiation therapy has been enhanced to give the maximum benefit and cause minimal harm to the affected. Some side-effects are predictable, but these are not fatal. If you have any fears regarding radiation, you must talk to your doctor before rejecting the treatment completely. Because it can be a matter of life and death, so take as much precaution as you can.
Myth #4: I won’t get cancer because I don’t have a family history of cancer
Cancer is triggered by changes in cell DNA. A family history of cancer increases your chance of developing the disease. Nevertheless, this does not mean that if you have no family history of cancer you won’t get the disease. Genetic mutations can be arbitrary, caused by factors such as pollution and radiation exposure, and lifestyle aspects such as smoking, obesity, extreme drinking, and poor eating habits.
Myth #5: Cancer surgery for cancer will spread it even more
Numerous people with cancer do surgery to remove the tumour or gather a tissue sample for biopsy. There is no evidence to back the statement that cancer surgery causes the illness to spread. Surgical tumour resection is a vital and often life-saving treatment. Surgical removal of a primary or non-metastasized tumour helps to avoid the spread of cancer to other parts of the body.
Myth #6: All lumps detected are cancerous
Most lumps that are detected while screenings and medical examinations are benevolent or another condition completely like a cyst. A doctor will conduct tests to know if a growth is benign, precancerous, or cancerous.
Myth #7: Your attitude governs the outcome of cancer treatment
It is normal to be sad, angry, or to think negatively when you or someone you know is diagnosed with cancer. Though it helps to maintain an environment of optimism and hope, these shouldn’t be forced on patients. Allow people with cancer react in their own ways.
No one is prepared for uncertainty such as cancer. And you should be prepared financially too. A cancer insurance plan will help you safely go through the difficult phases of cancer. Analyse, study and research and only then buy a cancer insurance plan. You can even use a Cancer insurance calculator to simplify your estimations.
