Cancer Myths Debunked

Posted in: Cancer by Dr. Tarang Krishna Posted Date: 20 Nov, 2018

Certain popular notions about how cancer starts and spreads - though scientifically wrong - seem to make sense, especially when these ideas are rooted in the old theories. But wrong ideas about cancer leads to needless worry and hinder prevention and cancer treatment decisions. Cancer Healer Center, a leading cancer hospital in India offers information about the common cancer myths and misconceptions.

Myth 1: Cancer is a prognosis of death

Fact: About a third of all cancers can be cured if they are detected and treated early making regular health check-ups and cancer screenings important. Today, with 9 in 10 people with early-stage cancers, such as breast, prostate, and thyroid, survive for at least five years after the cancer is diagnosed. New cancer treatments mean that more people with advanced cancers live longer.

Myth 2: Cancer is contagious

Fact: You cannot catch cancer from someone. Spending time with a cancer patient will not cause you to get it too. It’s a rare case that a person with an organ or tissue transplantation develops cancer from a donor who has had cancer previously. Though cancer does not spread from person to person, certain viruses can increase your risk of getting cancer. For example, Hepatitis B or C spreads via sexual intercourse or infected needles and increases the risk of liver cancer. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection which increases the risk of cervical cancer.

Myth 3: Eating sugar makes cancer grow faster

Fact: Research says that cancer cells absorb more sugar than normal cells but there is no scientific evidence to suggest and validate it. However, the cancer care centers suggest that diet high in sugar can cause you to gain excess weight and increase your risk of diabetes. People who are obese or have diabetes have a higher risk of developing certain cancers.

Myth 4: If someone in the family has cancer, I will have it too.

Fact: Around 5 to 10% of cancers are caused by the inherited genetic mutations. A strong family history of cancer puts you at a higher risk of developing it. But this does not mean that you are sure to get cancer later in life. For cancer to develop, factors such as smoking, radiation, aging, etc play an important role.

Myth 5: Cancer develops from dyeing hair

Fact: There is no scientific proof that using hair dye increases the risk of cancer. Some studies, however, show that people who are exposed to hair dye such as hairdressers and stylists are at a higher risk of developing cancer. But it is not known how much hair dye increases this risk.

Myth 6: I cannot have cancer because no one in my family has had it.

Fact: Cancer is caused by genetic mutations which occur within the cells. You may have inherited the gene mutations from the parents. However, gene mutations can also occur from factors such as exposure to smoking, radiation and other cancer-causing substances and viruses. Other risk factors such as diabetes and obesity can increase your risk of developing cancer.

Myth 7: Cancer treatment will bankrupt me

Fact: Besides coping with the reality of a cancer diagnosis, the cost of cancer treatment is also a cause of huge concern. But cancer hospital such as Cancer Healer Center offer cancer immunotherapy treatment at affordable costs. However, financial assistance and aid are available to help you steer through the difficult period.

About The Author

Dr. Tarang Krishna

Dr. Tarang Krishna, Director at Cancer Healer Center, is the perfect epitome of perseverance and dedication.

He has an impressive educational background to his credit. He completed his under-graduation in Medicine and Surgery from Pune, India and did his MD (Hom) from Agra University, India.Thesis on MD was on "Treatment of cancer" where he presented cases of almost 100 patients and the response of the medicines in the treatment of cancer. He then completed his Ph.d in Oncology from the United Kingdom and his thesis on the ‘Efficacy of Medicines in the Treatment of Cancer’ is greatly commemorated and honored.

He befittingly represents alternate medicine and has contributed significantly towards the development and research of immunotherapy.

Through his nationwide chain of “Cancer Healer Center” clinics he strives to offer superior cancer treatment, using immunotherapy.