Here are 11 myths about cancer, debunked.
Getting A Biopsy Makes Cancer Spread
There’s no evidence that getting a biopsy or removing the tumor will make it spread. When a tumor needs to be removed or tested, the process will not make the cancer grow. However, having it removed or tested is an imperative part of the treatment process.
Eating Sugar Causes Cancer To Grow
Eating an ice-cream or donut will not exacerbate your cancer. Although studies have shown that cancer cells consume more sugar (glucose) than normal cells, no research has shown that eating sugar will make your cancer worse or that, if you stop eating sugar, your cancer will disappear.
You Won’t Need Surgery If The Tumor Is Solid
Surgery is always needed, if possible, with solid tumors. Other types of treatment are also used to reduce the size of solid tumors or lower the chances of the cancer returning. Surgery is used to remove the tumor completely.
Skin Cancer Is Color Blind
Those with fairer skin have a greater risk of developing skin cancer than those who are not. In addition, those with blond or red hair, green or blue eyes, or freckled skin, are at a higher risk as well.
Chemotherapy Always Has Side Effects
While unpleasant side effects were common when chemotherapy was first introduced, medical advancement in recent decades has reduced side effects considerably.
Chemotherapy Is Painful
Is chemotherapy painful? The answer is no. Although side-effects may result from chemotherapy, the actual process is not necessarily painful.
Hair Will Never Grow Back After Chemotherapy
While the image of a chemotherapy patient commonly involves someone with no hair, that isn’t how it remains. Ninety-nine percent of the time, hair grows back after completion of the course.
Cancer Will Always Come Back
Usually, in the early stages, the chances of the disease returning are very low. Even in later stages, there is hope that it won’t return.
Oncologists Don’t Want Patients Trying Unusual Treatments
While some patients fear approaching their doctor with a natural treatment plan, that fear is pointless. Most times, oncologists do not feel bad if the patient wants to try a complementary or unusual approach to treat cancer.
As long as it doesn’t interfere with cancer treatment, most oncologists don’t mind if a patient wants to try another type of treatment, such as herbs.
