General Misunderstandings and Myths about Cancer

Cancer is one of the most feared diseases. Not surprisingly, the discussion about the causes of cancer, treatment , and what needs to be done to prevent this disease has always been the topic warm. But apparently , there are still quite a lot myths around cancers that circulate and trusted by the community .

Cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the body multiply uncontrollably. As a result, the number of these cells will increase and disrupt the surrounding tissues or organs.

Until now, it is not yet known what the exact cause of cancer is. However, various studies have shown that an increased risk of cancer is related to an unhealthy lifestyle, heredity, or certain diseases, such as obesity.

Until now, experts have continued to study cancer further in order to develop the most effective treatment and determine prevention measures.

Myth t about Circulating Cancer

Even though there are still many things about cancer that are not yet known clearly, experts have actually found enough scientific evidence regarding this disease. Some scientific facts about cancer turned out to be incompatible with what had been believed by the community.

The following are some myths about cancer that are not true along with the facts:

1. Cellphone radiation causes cancer

Cancer occurs when the body's cells undergo genetic changes (gene mutations) due to various factors, one of which is radiation exposure. However, cellphones actually only emit very low radiation, so they don't cause gene mutations in body cells.

Until now, there has been no research that can prove that cell phone radiation can cause cancer.

2. Cancer is definitely hereditary

The fact is, only 5-10% of cancer patients inherit gene mutations from their parents. In most cancer patients, gene mutations occur after birth, for example due to exposure to hazardous chemicals, smoking or consuming alcohol, overweight, or due to aging.

This means that someone without a history of cancer in his family might have cancer if he lived an unhealthy lifestyle.

3. Deodorants and antiperspirants can cause breast cancer

Some time ago rumors circulated that the use of deodorants or antiperspirants to reduce perspiration and underarm odor can cause breast cancer. This is because certain substances from the product, such as aluminum, can enter through the skin pores.

In fact, there is no strong evidence to explain the relationship between exposure to aluminum or other substances in deodorants with an increased risk of breast cancer.

4. Sugar consumption will encourage growth cancer cells

There is an assumption that excessive sugar consumption can encourage the growth of cancer cells. Furthermore it is said that if a person stops consuming sugar, the cancer can be cured.

The fact is, limiting sugar does not inhibit the growth of cancer cells. All cells in the body, both cancerous and normal, use sugar as an energy source.

However, consuming excess sugar can indeed cause obesity and diabetes. These two diseases will then increase the risk of cancer.

5. Exposure to hot temperatures in plastic containers can cause cancer

It is often said that consuming drinks or food in plastic containers exposed to hot temperatures, such as those put in a microwave, can cause cancer.

In fact, not all types of plastic are dangerous when heated. If you want to warm food in a microwave using a plastic container, choose a container that is labeled safe for microwave.

In addition, the statement that plastic bottles exposed to heat can release harmful chemicals into drinking water has also not been proven.

6. Biopsy can spread cancer cells

The possibility of cancer cells spreading because the biopsy procedure is very small. Even now there is no strong evidence to suggest that biopsies can make cancer cells spread to surrounding body tissues.

Indeed research shows that the benefits of biopsy far outweigh the risks, because by biopsy, the doctor can determine whether the body tissue suspected of being cancer is indeed malignant or apparently benign, and determines the stage of the cancer. After these things are known, then the doctor can determine the most appropriate treatment steps.

7. Exposure to cancer cells with air during surgery can worsen cancer

This is not true. Air exposure is not related to the spread of cancer. The surgery itself is one of the most effective ways to eliminate cancer tissue.

Sometimes cancers that don't appear on physical examination or support, such as CT scans and MRIs, are only apparent when done surgically.

8. Side effects of cancer therapy or treatment are worse than the cancer itself

In fact, untreated cancer can experience worsening symptoms and develop faster. In the end, cancer that is not treated early will spread (metastasis) to various other organs, even to organs located far from where the cancer originates. When it has attacked other organs, cancer will be very difficult to treat.

9. There are herbal products that can cure cancer

Until now there has been no strong scientific evidence regarding the existence of certain herbal ingredients that can cure cancer.

Some herbal ingredients can indeed help alleviate cancer symptoms or inhibit cancer cell growth, but cannot cure cancer. Therefore, be careful when using herbal products because some of them can interfere with the effectiveness of chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

To reduce the risk of cancer, you are advised to always lead a healthy lifestyle. In addition, do a health check (medical check up) and cancer screening to a doctor if you have cancer risk factors, such as having a family member who has cancer.

Written by:

dr. Irene Cindy Sunur

Label : Health cat_Health