By Before disccussing myths about cancer we have to know cancer. Let’s start with Cancer
What is Cancer
Cancer is a disease that affects the body’s cells and can cause them to divide out of control. Cancerous tumors may develop where normal cells have grown together in masses known as benign neoplasms. Tumors may also arise from abnormal cells present at birth, called congenital tumors. Cancer cells reproduce rapidly, often invading surrounding tissues and spreading throughout the body. In many cases, cancer cells spread to distant sites through the lymphatic system (a network of vessels and nodes) or bloodstream. Cancer causes serious damage to organs and systems of the body, including the immune system.
There are several types of cancer, depending upon the type of cells involved. There are two broad categories of cancers: carcinomas and sarcomas. Carcinoma means “cancer of the epithelial cells,” which includes skin, breast, lung, oral, prostate, colon, stomach, liver, pancreas, cervix, bladder, kidney, thyroid, testicles, ovaries, etc. Sarcoma means “cancer of connective tissue,” which includes bone, cartilage, muscle, fat, blood vessels, etc. Oral cancer is increasing faster than other cancer in India and simultaneously the treatment of oral cancer is also increasing. The treatment cost of oral cancer in india can differ according to the stage of cancer
Myths about Cancer
Following are the myths about cancer
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Cancer is a genetic disease
This myth is false. While genetics do play a role in some types of cancers (such as breast cancer), most cases of cancer have no known cause. In fact, only 2% of all cancers are caused by genes. The rest are due to environmental factors.
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Radiation causes cancer
Radiation does not cause cancer. There is no scientific evidence linking radiation exposure to any type of cancer.
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Eating meat increases cancer risk
Eating red meat doesn’t increase your risk of developing certain cancers. Processed meats do raise your risk of colon cancer, though.
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Drinking alcohol increases cancer risk
Alcohol consumption may slightly increase your risk of getting mouth, throat, esophageal, liver, laryngeal, stomach, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers. However, heavy drinking significantly raises your risk of getting breast cancer.
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Smoking causes cancer
Smoking cigarettes greatly increases your risk of lung cancer. But smoking marijuana poses almost no increased risk of cancer.
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Vaccines cause autism
There’s no link between vaccines and autism. Many parents choose to delay their children’s vaccinations out of fear that they might develop autism. But the truth is that there’s absolutely no connection between these two things.
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You’re doomed if you get HPV
HPV stands for human papillomavirus. Most people contract HPV at some point in their lives without knowing it. It’s spread through sexual contact with someone who carries the virus. If you don’t want to get HPV, don’t have sex! And if you do decide to become sexually active, use condoms consistently and correctly.
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Surgery removes cancer
Surgery IS NOT A REMEDY FOR CANCER! Surgeries can remove cancerous tumors, but they often result in scarring and disfigurement. Many people who had surgery were left with less-than-perfect results. Also, surgery puts patients at risk for infection and blood clots.
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Chemotherapy kills cancer cells
Chemotherapy only treats cancer, but it does not kill cancer cells. It actually makes them weaker and causes damage to normal cells.
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Cancer is contagious
Cancer is not contagious. If someone has cancer they may pass the disease on to their children, but it does not mean that if I get cancer then my kids will get it too.
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You cannot cure cancer
You CAN NOT cure cancer. However, you can make your body stronger against it. You can eat healthier foods and exercise.
You can also read: Diet for Cancer Patients
