An expert busts 5 myths around cancer care and treatment

There are several myths about cancer that fuel the fear factor in people's minds regarding the disease. An expert clears the air.

cancer myths — Come, let's tell you some myths and facts about cancer. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Dr Sandeep Nemani Published on: 8 Feb 2022, 09:00 am IST

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India is witnessing a paradigm shift in advanced healthcare delivery. Newer technologies, and innovations in the space are gradually changing the face of how we deliver care to patients. However, if we talk about illnesses like cancer, lack of health literacy, social stigmas, and misconceptions around it are a few of the major factors leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

Despite advances in the medical field, cancer continues to be perceived as a death sentence among the masses. Cancer patients are often subjected to negativity in their lives, leading to unpleasantness and eventual breakdown.

cancer treatment — Cancer treatment is possible. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Here are some myths about cancer:

Myth 1: Cancer is not curable

Fact: If diagnosed early, most of the cancers are now curable.

Myth 2: Diagnosis and treatment of cancers is very costly

Fact: Many cancers can be diagnosed by simple clinical examination and basic tests. For financial support, various government and non-government organizations are available to help needy patients.

Myth 3: Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) is an experimental therapy

Fact: BMT is a very effective and curative treatment for blood cancers, which are incurable with medicines and chemotherapy. This modality of therapy is a boon for various blood disorders (even non-cancerous).

cancer detection — Early detection improves your chances of treatment. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Myth 4: Cancer can get transmitted by contact

Fact: Cancer is not an infection and it is not transmitted by contact. We must not believe all myths about cancer.

Also Read: Exercise can help cancer patients bounce back to health faster, says study

Myth 5: Blood cancers are the most severe type of cancers, and they never get cured

Fact: Blood cancer is a blanket term, which includes leukemias, lymphomas and multiple myeloma. The treatments for blood cancers are so much revolutionized that many of them can be controlled by simple tablets. Many blood cancers are curable now. Even in older patients, life can be prolonged with excellent quality of life.

The last word

Cancer has always been viewed as a dreadful disease, so much so that people are scared to fight it. It’s important that you pay attention to the early signs and symptoms, and get yourself checked before it’s too late!