With the growth in the modern technology, information about cancer is now easily available at the click of the mouse. We have access to abundance of information but this does not mean that all the information that we have is accurate. Information that is freely available comes with a price, myths, misconceptions and half truths.
It is important to differentiate the truth from the fiction to have a thorough understanding about the condition. Let’s have a look at the facts and fiction behind some of the widely held beliefs about cancer.
1. All cancers are inherited
Fact:
Well Known Oncologist, Dr Avinash Deo, from Fortis Hospitals says, “While it is true that some types of cancer are genetic but it does not mean that if your parent has cancer you will also develop it. Having a parent with cancer only increases your risk”
Certain cancers do prevail in some families like breast, colorectal cancer, and ovarian cancer. If the parent has cancer and the child inherits the gene, it only increases the likelihood of developing cancer but does not guarantee cancer per se.
2. Cancer cannot be treated in the later stage
Fact:
It is commonly believed that earlier the cancer is detected, the better chances of the treatment being effective. However improvement in technology, innovations and procedures, have led to improvements in treating later stage cancers with more precise and less traumatic treatments. The advancement in medical technology has offered new hopes to cancer patients at every stage of disease.
3. Only women get breast cancer
Fact:
This is the biggest myth. Men can get breast cancer also. Male breast cancer in uncommon but it can still happen.
Like all cells of the body a man’s breast cells can also undergo cancerous changes. However women have many more breast cells than men, and the cells are continuously exposed to growth, this increases the chances of developing breast cancer in women.
4. Some types of cancer can be contagious
Fact:
Dr Avinash Deo firmly believes that cancer is not contagious.
A healthy person cannot catch the disease through physical contact or by breathing the same air. Also there are very minute chances for the cancer to spread from the mother to the placenta.
5. Stress causes cancer
Fact:
Stress does not directly cause cancer however recent studies suggest the theory of an indirect relationship between stress and cancer. Stress weakens the immune system which results in irregular cell division activity inside the body.
Further studies provide evidence that the stress hormone adrenaline has a primary influence on the growth and spread of cancer. Increase in the levels of the adrenaline hormone alters the healthy functioning of some cell protein, a situation that causes malignant cells to grow in size and spread faster.
6. Hair dye can cause brain cancer
Fact:
This is a myth that is very often heard. It has been speculated that usage of hair dye causes various types of cancer like brain cancer, breast cancer. According to ‘The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)’ mentions that personal use of hair dyes can never cause harmful effects on the humans.’
7. Cancer causes hair loss
Fact
Cancer does not cause hair loss. Hair loss is a side effect of treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Dr Avinash Deo adds, hair loss is a side effect of the drugs that are used in the treatment. A large number of drugs cause hair fall, but it is not mandatory.”
To conclude, arming yourself with true knowledge rather than myths is the best way to fight every type of cancer.
