Cancer is one of the main hindrances that people are scared and also feel uncertain of. As plausible as cancer creation and cancer treatment means, it is not surprising that numerous myths and misconceptions revolve around the core of cancer and its management. As these false notions often arise, they may lead to unnecessary delays in treatment, a sick decision, or in some cases even abandonment of some scientifically established therapies. In this article, we will explore the top myths of cancer that, unfortunately, can lead to poor prognosis if not taken care of properly.
Myth #1: Cancer is a Death Sentence
One of the reasons for cancer is the spread of an opinion that cancer is an immediate death sentence. This myth is due to the fact that people in the past did not live long enough to recover after most cancers had ruined their health in the time before the onset of modern treatments and early diagnostic methods. Nonetheless a good progress in cancer research and treatment has in a great way increased life expectancy for patients with a number of cancers.
In its turn, the American Cancer Society states that the five-year relative survival rate of all cancers diagnosed between 2011 and 2017 was around 67.9%. The fact is that after diagnosis, the majority of the patients (almost 70%) were surviving after a period of five years.
Typically, cancer affects more than 90% of cases, including breast, prostate, and thyroid cancers, with 5-year survival rates. Please remember that those cancer survival rates may vary depending on factors such as which cancer type and level of the cancer and they may have aged or other health problems, and the treatment usefulness. Although some cancers prove very determined and difficult to battle, many patients can find relief through remission or long-term survival by strictly adhering to evidence-based treatments prescribed by oncologists.
Myth #2: Alternative Therapies are Superior to Conventional Cancer Treatments
It is a fact too that another dangerous myth entails that alternative therapies be they special diets, herbal remedies or alternative medicine practices are more effective or safer than conventional cancer therapies like chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. However, the beneficial effect of some complementary therapy only extends to reduction of certain side effects of cancer treatment and it is never advisable to use these ways as an alternative to or as postponement of verified and evidence-based medications specified by qualified doctors.
Doctors traditionally administer cancer treatments, which may not always be pleasant, but they properly test and confirm the effectiveness of such methods against the various forms of this pathology. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and directed therapy are able to do this by aiming for and killing cancer cells as well as stopping and/or regressing the growth and spread of more cancer cells. These interventions have been instrumental in the introducing of cancer patients to life with an increased survival rate and a longer mean lifespan.
On the other hand, alternative modalities have not shown a solid scientific ground to support them being cancer curing rather. Certain alternative therapies such as a detriment on the normal treatments or can cause significant interactions between them and may even be harmful, or reduce their effectiveness.
Since adding alternative treatments could interfere with oncologic treatment, it is necessary to consult your oncologist on what complementary or alternative therapies are safe to do alongside your treatment plan.
Based on your health care team, you will receive professional advice on the use of safe and adequate complementary therapies, which may be useful in managing some of the side effects or improving your well-being during cancer treatment.
Myth #3: Cancer is Contagious or Caused by Injury
One of the longest and most damaging myths about cancer, perhaps, is that it spreads through contagion, suggesting that it could result from injury or trauma. These wrong notions can result in social stigma, isolation, and discrimination for cancer patients.
Loved ones who may lack a comprehensive understanding can further exacerbate the situation by failing to support the patient during this challenging time. The Best ayurvedic cancer treatment in India opines that cancer cannot be transmitted through the touch or sharing of personal items, nor is it possible to transmit it orally by sharing bodily fluids. Unlike the flu or the cold, cancer cannot be passed on from person to person. Cancers are disorders that stem from problem in gene expression of the cell genes, which result in abnormal continuation of the cell cycle out of control and location.
Also, cancer has nothing to do with the damage or injuries inflicted on the body. Nevertheless, cancer initiation happens not mechanically due to some causes such as the impact of tobacco smoke, ionizing rays, or some chemicals, rather physical trauma or traffic accidents are not responsible for cancer initiation directly.
Myths bashing and myth elimination is particularly important for correct knowledge formation, attitude change and giving an opportunity to cancer patients to receive the due support and evidence-based care. With the help of this distinction, we can assure that people will no longer waste their time on false information regarding their health and will always know where to get the truth regarding cancer and cancer treatment. We can also use this to set up a healthy space through which we can encourage individuals to discuss openly about cancer and its treatment.
The best cancer hospital in India suggests that It is imperative that we do not forget the fact that some myths and less knowledge may prove to be damaging, but they are usually created from lack or misinformation. Through education of ourselves and others about cancer and its reasons, as well as the treatments we can let go of those stories that caused wrong prejudices and thus to create a learning environment that supports patients with cancer.
Seek a diagnosis of cancer from credible information centers, which include reputable cancer organizations, medical professionals, and peer-reviewed scientific literature. Identifying what is specific to your case is crucial consulting with the doctor. This is in addition to clearing any doubts or misapprehensions and making sure you have all the required information for the treatment plan.