About Cancer

Myth: Cancer Is Contagious.

Truth:
People fear having any contacts with a cancer patient. This is absolutely wrong. You cannot catch a cancer. There is simply no need to avoid someone just because they have cancer. It is perfectly okay to touch and spend time with someone who has cancer. In fact, your support may never be more valuable.

Although cancer is not contagious but some contagious viruses can lead to the development of cancer. So we need to protect ourselves from these viruses. Some of the most common viruses which might cause cancer are:

• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Hepatitis C

Talk to your doctor about ways to protect yourself from these viruses.

Myth: Good People Don't Get Cancer.

Truth:
Being diagnosed with cancer has nothing to do with moral values. This myth came up from olden times, when illness was often viewed as a punishment for one's evil doings. Sadly, even with the today's awareness, this view is still held in some cultures. If it were true, though, try explaining the cancer patients who are newborn. How could have these infants done any bad. This thinking is completely wrong that you get cancer because you deserve it.

Myth: People With Cancer Should Avoid Having Sugar, As It Causes Cancer To Grow Faster.

Truth:
Sugar does not make cancer grow faster. All cells - cancer cells as well - depend on blood sugar (glucose) for energy. But giving more sugar to cancer cells does not speed up their growth and similarly depriving cancer cells of sugar do not slow down their growth either.

Maybe, this misconception is due to the positron emission tomography (PET) scans, which uses small amounts of a radioactive tracer - mostly a form of glucose. All the body tissues absorb some of this tracer, but the cancer cells absorb more amounts. That's why, it is believed that cancer cells grow faster on sugar. But that's just a myth, not the truth.

Myth: A Positive Attitude Is All You Need To Beat Cancer.

Truth:
Having a positive attitude towards life, combats cancer, has not been scientifically proved. Though it might improve the chances of being cured.

But generally it just improves the quality of life during cancer treatment and beyond. You are likely to stay active and continue social activities which will enhance the feelings of well-being and help find the strength to deal with the cancer.

Myth: If We Can Put A Man On The Moon, We Should Have A Cure For Cancer By Now.

Truth:
Finding the cure for cancer is proving to be more complex than mastering the engineering and physics required for spaceflight.

Cancer actually includes a large group of diseases. Each can have many different causes. Though medical sciences has advanced a lot but still the doctors have a lot to learn about what triggers a cell to become cancerous and why some people with cancer do better than others.

In addition, cancer is a moving target. Cancer cells may continue to mutate and change during the course of the disease, thus leading the cancer cells to no longer respond to the treatments that were given initially.

Myth: Advancements In Medical Technologies Have Made It Possible To Detect Cancer Early.

Truth:
Though regular medical care do increase the chances of detecting a cancer early, but it cannot guarantee it. Cancer is a complicated disease, and there is no sure way to always spot it.

Myth: If You Are Undergoing Cancer Treatment, Then You Cannot Live At Home, Work Or Perform Your Usual Activities.

Truth:
Most cancer patients are treated as outpatient. At times you might have to travel to some other place to a specialty medical center for treatment. But often, doctors in such medical centers tend to work with doctors in your area so that you can be with your family and friends and perhaps even resume work.

A great deal of research has gone into making it easier for people to live more normal lives during their cancer treatment. For example, drugs are now available for helping ease nausea, making you stay active during your treatment which might enable you to work and perform other day-to-day activities.

Myth: Everyone With The Same Kind Of Cancer Gets The Same Kind Of Treatment.

Truth:
There is no one-solution-fits-all sort of treatment. Your treatment is tailored according to where your cancer is, whether or how much it has spread, and how it is affecting your body functions and your general health. Treatments are also tailored based on your genes. These genes, which you are born with, may show that your body processes certain chemotherapy treatments and drugs differently than someone else. Genetic testing on your cancer cells can also help guide your treatment.