New Delhi: Cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases, and with fear comes misinformation. Myths about its causes, treatments, and outcomes often cause stress to patients and their families. This article busts common cancer myths, helping people make informed decisions about their health. Cancer cases are rising in India and worldwide. It can affect any part of your body while taking a heavy toll on your overall health. It can cause several life-changing challenges to your physical, emotional, and financial well-being. Various cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation can be overwhelming for cancer patients along with their families.
While medical advancements have significantly improved the detection and treatment of cancer, the misconception about those tends to spread. These myths can create confusion and fear. Many people tend to believe that cancer treatments are extremely painful, and can be fatal. They assume that home remedies can help cure cancer in a better way rather than traditional cancer treatments, which is not exactly true. It becomes crucial to stay aware and avoid believing these misconceptions.
Dr. Supriya Bambarkar, Director (Dept.of Oncology), Consultant Onco surgeon, AIMS Hospital, Dombivli.
Common myths about cancer and its treatment
Myth: Only people with a family history of cancer are at risk
Cancer can occur to anyone irrespective of age or gender. However, people with a family history are indeed at higher risk of developing cancer. People without a family history can still develop cancer due to various factors like lifestyle choices, environmental factors, and mutation. Going for regular screening and healthy habits can help reduce the risk.
Myth: Natural remedies can cure cancer
It is a common misconception about cancer amongst many that one can cure cancer with the help of home remedies, which is not exactly true. No herbal or alternative remedies have been proven to cure cancer. Instead of relying on these natural remedies one should consult a doctor and opt for cancer treatments to manage cancer symptoms or side-effects.
Myth: Cancer is always fatal
Not all cancers are fatal. Detecting cancer at its early stage can help improve the effectiveness of cancer treatments while increasing the chances of positive outcomes. The advancements in medical research and treatment are promising and have significantly improved survival rates. Millions of cancer survivors lead healthy and happening lives after the cancer treatment.
Myth: Only surgery will be advised for tumor removal and cancer management
Surgery is not always the only treatment for tumor removal as many cancers require a combination of therapies like chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted treatments to destroy the cancer cells. A comprehensive treatment plan is designed for each patient based on the type, stage, and location of the tumor
Myth: Chemotherapy causes a lot of side effects and weakens the body permanently
Chemotherapy can cause temporary side effects such as tiredness, loss of appetite, sore mouth, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and fever, which are manageable and subside after treatment. The body has a strong ability to recover, and many patients regain their strength and can improve their quality of life after battling cancer.
Myth: Biopsy of the tumour causes the spread of the cancer
This statement is false as a biopsy does not cause cancer to spread. Understand that it is a safe and essential procedure for accurate diagnosis of cancer. Biopsies help in determining the best treatment without increasing the risk of cancer spread. Do a biopsy without panicking or fretting if advised by the doctor.
World Cancer Day 2025: Being one of the deadliest diseases that are there, it is a no-brainer that cancer is subject to several myths. Here’s what you need to know about the facts. Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
