When cancer treatment can fully heal patients, cancer can return after treatment. If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, get ready to face a thousand myths about cancer treatment. This blog will tell you the 10 most common myths about cancer treatment. For cancer treatment in Siliguri, visit the most trusted cancer hospital in town.
Myths circulating about cancer treatment are nothing new. Let’s discover what’s not true about this treatment.
1. Myth - A Biopsy Can Spread Cancer
Fact – Many people talk about this and try to prevent themselves from getting a prescribed biopsy. The truth is there is no evidence that a biopsy or removing the cancer tissue will cause cancer to spread.
Since a biopsy is a surgical process (minimally invasive surgery), it includes side effects, such as bleeding, infection, and skin numbness.
2. Myth: Cancer Causes Death
Fact – This is one of the most common myths regarding cancer. Advancements in the medical field can increase the survival rate for any disease. Therefore, more and more studies are going on.
These advancements are not exclusive to cancer care. Advanced treatment benefits the survival rates of heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, and more.
It helps in early detection and a better understanding of the disease and treatment. Many types of cancer are now highly treatable, such as melanoma, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, thyroid cancer, testicular cancer, and breast cancer.
3. Myth - Cancer Treatment is Always Painful
Fact – Any treatment that includes surgery or processes like radiation can cause discomfort or side effects. Modern therapies in cancer treatments are less invasive, plus, more targeted.
Moreover, pain management or palliative care in cancer treatment helps improve the quality of life, reducing treatment side effects. Visit the leading cancer hospital for cancer treatment in Siliguri, North Bengal.
4. Myth - You Don’t Need Surgery If the Tumour is Solid
Fact - Surgery for cancer is a must, and for these solid tumours as well. A surgical oncologist may use chemo or radiation therapy to reduce or shrink the consistency or size of the tumor before surgery.
5. Myth - Chemotherapy Always Causes Bad Side Effects
Fact - Chemotherapy, shortly called chemo, is a highly effective cancer treatment that has temporary side effects. The intensity of chemo side effects depends on the patient's overall health, severity of cancer, etc.
Even medications for a disease, such as heart disease, or hormonal disorder have side effects. So, the side effect factor after receiving a treatment is not exclusive to chemo.
6. Myth - Only Unhealthy People Get Cancer Disease
Fact – The truth is having a healthy lifestyle doesn’t promise cancer prevention. While lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol, diet, and lack of exercise can increase cancer risk, one can develop cancer with a healthy lifestyle.
Genetics/family history, environmental exposures, and random cellular mutations might increase the risk.
7. Myth - A Lump in Your Breast is Breast Cancer
Fact – Have you just noticed a lump in your breast or near the armpit? Do not panic, consult your gynaecologist without delay.
Most lumps (80%) in your breasts are harmless and benign. A cancerous lump used to be hard, not soft with uneven edges.
8. Myth - Hair Won’t Grow Back After Chemotherapy
Fact – Chemo may cause mild to significant hair loss since it uses powerful drugs to kill cancerous cells.
About 99% of people who have undergone chemotherapy get their hair back after some time. It takes around 4-6 weeks for hair to grow after chemo.
9. Myth - Natural Remedies Can Treat Cancer
Fact – There’s no doubt some natural remedies may help ease symptoms and improve quality of life. No scientific evidence can tell these can cure cancer. Make sure you get medical attention rather than relying merely on alternative treatments.
10. Myth - You Can’t Have Children After Cancer Treatment
Fact - Some cancer treatments may affect fertility in men and women. However, there are treatments available that can help patients achieve pregnancy after cancer care. These may include IVF, egg or sperm freezing, or using a donor egg or sperm.
You may have further questions or confusion about cancer treatment. So, if you have any, feel free to tell your oncologist. In-depth diagnosis and personalized cancer treatment in Siliguri will help you fight cancer optimally. Reach out to one of the leading cancer hospitals in town, Hope & Heal Cancer Hospital.
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