There are many people suffering from cancer worldwide. It is a complex disease and a result of uncontrolled cell growth within the body.

Cancer treatment can be a challenging and life-threatening illness which can affect a person’s quality of life and overall well-being if left untreated.

Are you someone looking for cancer treatment? Wondering which treatment to opt for? Confused about what to believe or not about cancer treatment?

As there are many myths regarding cancer treatment, people often tend to get confused as to which treatment they should go for and whether they should really go for the treatment or not.

Want to debunk the cancer treatment myths and know the facts? Then you are at the right place.

Karetrip is here to help you understand what are the myths and what are the facts related to cancer treatment.

Myth: There Is Universal Cure For Cancer

Fact: While many advancements have been made in cancer treatment and research, there is no single reliable universal cure that can efficiently treat all types of cancer.

• The reality of cancer treatment is that it varies greatly depending on the type, stage, and individual patient factors.

• Various treatment options include, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these.

Myth: Alternative Therapies Alone Can Cure Cancer

Fact: There are a wide range of Alternative therapies including acupuncture, herbal remedies, dietary supplements, meditation, and others, which may be used along with the conventional treatments.

Depending only on alternative therapies without evidence-based treatment may worsen the chances of cure of cancer.

Myth: Cancer Is Always Fatal

Fact: While cancer can be a serious and life-threatening disease, it is not always fatal. Survival rates for many types of cancer have improved significantly.

Many individuals detected with cancer go on to receive effective treatment and achieve remission, meaning the cancer is no longer detectable or actively growing.

Myth: Sugar Feeds Cancer Growth

Fact: As you know all cells in our body, including cancer cells, require glucose (sugar) as a source of energy to function and grow.

• Diets high in sugar can cause obesity and insulin resistance, which may create a favourable environment for cancer growth in few cases.

• However, cancer cells do not thrive only on sugar.

• It is advisable to maintain a balanced and healthy diet, including limiting excessive sugar intake, as part of an overall lifestyle that promotes well-being and reduces the risk of diseases such as cancer.

Myth: Chemotherapy Always Causes Severe Side Effects

Fact: There are a lot of advances in chemotherapy drugs and supportive care, which have helped to minimise and manage the side effects associated with treatment.

• For example, anti-nausea medications and medications to boost white blood cell counts can help reduce the impact of some chemotherapy side effects.
• Common side effects of chemotherapy may include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and loss of appetite.
• However, not all patients experience all of these side effects.
• The side effects of chemotherapy can vary depending on factors such as the type of chemotherapy drugs used, the dosage, the duration of treatment, and individual patient factors and medical history.

Myth: Natural Remedies Can Replace Conventional Treatment

Fact:

• Natural remedies include a wide range of treatments, including herbal supplements, dietary changes, acupuncture, meditation, and other alternative practices.
• Depending only on natural remedies can delay effective treatment, and allow cancer to progress. Some natural remedies may provide symptom relief or improve quality of life for cancer patients.
• Integrative oncology, which combines conventional cancer treatments with evidence-based complementary therapies, may offer a holistic approach to cancer care.

Myth: Cancer Is Contagious

Fact: Cancer itself is not contagious. It is a result of uncontrolled cell growth within the body. It does not spread from person to person like a contagious disease such as the flu or a cold.

• Cancer develops due to genetic mutations in cells, which can be influenced by various factors such as genetics, lifestyle choices, and chance.
• Supporting cancer patients with understanding, compassion, and appropriate medical care is necessary to addressing the challenges they face, without fear of transmission.

Myth: Surgery Spreads Cancer

Fact: Surgery is an effective treatment for many types of cancer to remove as much of the cancerous tissue as possible while maintaining a healthy surrounding tissue and organs.

• Surgical techniques and protocols are carefully designed to reduce the risk of spreading cancer during the procedure.
• Surgeons take precautions to ensure complete removal of cancerous cells.
• While there are risks associated with any surgical procedure, including infection and bleeding, the risk of spreading cancer due to surgery is very low as it is performed by skilled and experienced surgeons.

Myth: Cancer Treatment Is Worse Than The Disease Itself

Fact: Advances in cancer treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and supportive care, have led to improved results and better tolerability of treatment for many patients. The decision to undergo cancer treatment is made based on factors such as the type and stage of cancer. With appropriate medical care, emotional support, and symptom management, many cancer patients are able to undergo treatment effectively and maintain a good quality of life during and after treatment.

Cancer Treatment Myths Vs Facts

Some of the myths and facts related with the cancer treatment are listed below: