According to the NHS, 1 in 2 people will develop some form of cancer during their life. It is one of the deadliest and most ravaging diseases globally, and more than 10 million people died in 2020 because of cancer.
Fortunately, there is a lot of information about cancer available online. However, most of it is wrong or misleading. Just a quick online search for cancer may bring up several unsubstantiated claims about the disease. Well-meaning friends and family may share cancer myths that may cause more stress to the patient. So, how can we differentiate between fact and fiction? Below we attempt to separate the myths from facts
Myth No.1: Sugar makes cancer worse
Several articles on the internet state that sugar feeds cancer cells, so eliminating sugar from your diet can cure the disease. But there is no scientific proof to support this claim. First of all, sugar is a catch-all term that can refer to anything from the white powder we add to our tea to simple sugars in plants. All cells in our body depend, whether healthy or cancerous, depend on glucose for strength. However, as cancer cells grow very fast, they need more energy. So they consume more sugar. They also need other nutrients such as amino acids and fats. But, this does not mean you should go crazy on sugar. Too much sugar can cause weight gain, which increases the risk of developing cancer.
Myth No.2: Cancer is painful:
While pain is a symptom of cancer and a side effect of treatment, not all cancer patients experience the same amount of pain. However, several types of cancer either have general symptoms or are asymptomatic. For example, fever and fatigue are common mesothelioma symptoms, while most of the pain people associate with cancer is a side effect of radiation and chemotherapy. Patients can opt for palliative measures to manage the pain. Furthermore, most patients have active lives and continue with their daily activities.
Myth No.3: All types of cancer are the same:
This myth is incorrect. Cancer is the name of a disease in which cells divide uncontrollably and spread to different parts of the body. There are more than 200 different types of cancer. Furthermore, cancer reacts differently in every person, so there is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan for cancer. Fortunately, an experienced medical team can help cancer patients explore their options to choose the ideal path to recovery.
Myth No.4: Superfoods prevent cancer:
First of all, there is no such thing as a superfood. The term is just a marketing gimmick producers use to sell their products. But that does not mean you should not care about your diet. Adding blueberries or drinking some green tea can be a part of a healthy balanced diet. But specific vegetables or fruits do not matter. It is reductive to think that one food alone can prevent cancer. Research suggests that making healthy lifestyle choices is helpful as it boosts immunity. Therefore, avoid smoking and drinking, stay active and manage your weight.
Myth No.5: Cancer is a modern disease:
While cancer is more prominent in the public consciousness, it is not a recent illness. Cancer has existed for thousands of years. Archeologists found that ancient Egyptian physicians were aware of the disease. Researchers have discovered signs of cancer in a 3,000 years old skeleton as well. However, cancer is indeed a lot more common nowadays. But, that is because the average age and life expectancy have gone up. Age is the foremost risk factor for cancer. However, scientists are not sure why this is the case. It could be because as we get older, our cells sustain more damage. Another factor is the changes in our diet and lifestyle. For example, smoking causes a quarter of all cancer deaths within the United Kingdom. But, it is incorrect to say that cancer is a modern disease.
Myth No.6: There is a miracle cancer cure:
Many videos on the internet recommend natural miracle cures for cancer. Interestingly, none of these claims have any peer-reviewed scientific data to back them up. Most patients featured in these videos may not even have cancer in the first place. We do not have any information about their diagnosis or treatment plan. This issue highlights the necessity of relying on peer-reviewed, scientifically rigorous research for treatment. Not only do clinical studies provide safe and effective intervention, but they also allow doctors around the world to judge their efficacy. While several modern medicines come from the bark and needles of different plants, they also go through clinical trials before reaching us. Cancer patients should be wary of any product that offers a miracle cure because they are often just a hoax.
Myth No.7: There has been no progress against cancer:
Progress in cancer care is slow, but there are several reasons for this. First of all, cancer is a complex disease. It is different for every patient and requires individual treatment plans. Cancer cells also change over time, so therapy that works on a patient may become ineffective, and cancer cells are “good at staying alive.” However, there has been a lot of progress in cancer research. Modern technology has doubled cancer survival rates within the past 40 years. Furthermore, half of all cancer patients survive for at least ten years. Advances in the prevention, screening and treatment of cancer have also increased survival rates and improved quality of life.
Conclusion:
Do not believe all you read about cancer. Most online claims are unsubstantiated and more fiction than fact. Cancer patients should only consult expert oncologists to clear up the misconceptions and help them recover.
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