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Cancer is one of the most dreaded illnesses worldwide. Around 2.5 million people in India live with cancer; every year, 7 lakh new cases are reported.1 Despite its significant prevalence, many people believe in scientifically wrong notions about how cancer begins, spreads, and is treated. These incorrect assumptions can frequently lead to unnecessary anxiety and even inhibit making sound, preventative and therapeutic decisions. This blog post will try to debunk common misconceptions about cancer treatment.
Common Myths About Cancer Treatment
Myth 1: Everyone with the same cancer receives the same treatment
Fact: Cancer treatments are often personalised for each patient. The treatment you receive will depend on where your cancer is, whether it’s affecting body functions, the extent of spread, your general health, and other factors. For instance, cancer treatment for lung cancer may significantly differ between patients depending on whether the cancer is non-small cell or small cell, localised or metastasised.
Myth 2: Undergoing cancer treatment can affect your daily routine
Fact: Many studies have been conducted to help cancer patients live normal lives during their treatment. Most patients can now receive cancer treatment on an outpatient basis at a day care centre. Although some individuals may still have to travel to a medical centre for cancer treatment, the cancer team can coordinate with your local doctors to allow you to remain with close family. You can also restart or continue to work while undergoing cancer treatment.
Myth 3: Cancer treatment causes harsh side effects
Fact: Many of the patients with cancer fear undergoing cancer treatment due to the harsh side effects it causes, including extreme nausea, hair loss, and fatigue. Even though side effects can occur, advancements in cancer treatments have minimised these reactions. Supportive therapies like pain management and anti-nausea medications may also help patients cope with treatment.
Newer cancer treatment types like Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy are often less toxic and more precise, reducing the likelihood of severe side effects, even in aggressive diseases requiring intensive treatment, such as lung cancer treatment.
Myth 4: Surgery or Biopsy can spread cancer
Fact: Biopsy is a crucial step in accurately diagnosing cancer and determining the appropriate treatment. The belief that a biopsy can cause cancer to spread is a myth—when performed by a qualified and experienced specialist, it is completely safe. Healthcare providers take all appropriate measures and use advanced technologies during Biopsy or Surgery to remove tumours and prevent cancer from spreading. Delaying cancer diagnosis or treatment can worsen the cancer’s spread and make it difficult to treat.
Myth 5: Surgery is mutilating and should be avoided
Fact: In recent years, advancements in surgical technology, including robotics and reconstructive technology, have significantly reduced the invasiveness of cancer-related procedures. While surgery can be the first step in many of the cancer treatments, it can be combined with less invasive options like Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy to achieve the best results.
Myth 6: Breast conservation (Lumpectomy) is less effective than Mastectomy in early-stage breast cancer
Fact: There is no evidence which shows a difference in survival rates between breast conservation or Mastectomy procedures for patients with early-stage breast cancer. Both options do offer comparable cancer control; however, Breast Conservation Surgery provides the best aesthetic outcomes.
Myth 7: Immunotherapy can cure all cancers
Fact: While Immunotherapy is a promising treatment, including for some types of lung cancer treatment, it is not a one-stop solution for all cancer types. It stimulates the immune system to remove cancer cells. When combined with Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy, it can improve treatment effectiveness and reduce the risk of recurrence. However, the use of Immunotherapy in cancer treatment is limited to certain cancer types.
Myth 8: Home remedies can cure cancer
Fact: Although a balanced diet is essential for healing from cancer, no one meal or home treatment can cure cancer. Some food options like berries, turmeric, and leafy greens have cancer-fighting properties, but they are not a replacement for conventional cancer treatments. Alternative therapies may provide some symptom relief, but relying exclusively on them can be dangerous and lead to disease progression.
Myth 9: Herbal products can cure cancer
Fact: Although some studies suggest alternative therapies, especially herbs, may help individuals to cope with cancer treatment, there is no evidence indicating herbal products can effectively cure cancer. In reality, certain herbal medications can be dangerous when used during Chemotherapy or Radiation because they interfere with how the treatment works. Therefore, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before starting alternative therapies.
Conclusion
Understanding the facts about cancer and its therapies is vital for making educated healthcare decisions. Whether it’s a general diagnosis or treatment, patients have more options today than ever before. Advances in medical science, personalised care, and better supportive therapies mean that cancer is increasingly becoming a manageable—and in many cases, treatable—condition. With Manipal Hospitals, Dhakuria, you can expect advanced treatment options for cancer.
FAQ's
Each cancer type has its specific risk factors. Some of the common risk factors include exposure to chemicals or harmful substances, age or family history, specific lifestyle behaviours (alcohol or tobacco consumption), obesity, and infection with human papillomavirus.
Cancer occurs when the body's cells undergo mutations and begin to grow uncontrollably. These malignant cancer cells have the potential to invade surrounding tissues and destroy them. The cells have the capacity to travel to other regions of the body and create new tumours everywhere, suggesting an advanced stage of cancer.
Chemotherapy works by targeting fast-growing cells; when normal cells are affected, it can lead to side effects. Common Chemotherapy side effects include tiredness, nausea, hair loss, a reduced immune system, and digestive problems. These can be managed with medications and lifestyle adjustments.
Although not all cancer types can be prevented, around 30 to 50% of cancers can be avoided through healthy lifestyle choices. Key preventive measures include staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, protecting your skin from UV exposure, and getting vaccinations. Regular screening is also crucial, as it can detect the disease early when it is more treatable.
Cancer treatment sometimes can stop working due to factors like tumour mutations, drug resistance, or the disease’s ability to adapt. The cancer cells develop resistance to Chemotherapy or Targeted Therapy over time. When treatment stops being effective, your healthcare provider may suggest other modes of treatment.
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