Breast Cancer awareness – Myths and Facts

 

People have many myths about breast cancer. People think that breast cancer means death as there is no cure for it. Truth is majority of breast cancer cases are curable if diagnosed early.
 

Following facts are applicable to most cancers.

 

Myth 1: If parents have cancer, children also get it.

 

Fact: It is not 100% hereditary. But, some cancers like breast cancer and Large intestine cancer genetically occur to the children (to some extent).

 

– If mother gets breast cancer at the age og 60 years, the chances of occurring cancer in the children is very less.

 

- If mother gets the breast cancer at the age of 30 years, the chances of children getting cancer is some what more. They should undergo regular checkups from the age of 30 onwards.

 

 

Myth 2: Breast cancer occurs only in females.

 

Truth: It is incorrect. Males also may get breast cancer, but rarely (1 in 10 lac males). Breast mass is less in males.

 

In females, Mammography helps in identifying breast cancer at an early stage. If there is a hard mass – consult the doctor immediately.

 

 

Myth 3: All tumors are cancerous.

 

Truth: It is wrong statement. Fibro adenomas are benign tumors (not cancerous). If they are removed by operation, it is enough.

 

But, if you noticed any tumor in the body, consult the doctor for correct diagnosis. Don’t neglect even unhealed skin sore. Any chronic swelling suddenly enlarged in size, contact your doctor immediately.

 

   

Myth 4: As there is no cure for cancer, why should we take treatment? 
 

 

Fact: It is wrong. Though, some terminal cancers are not curable, most cases of cancer are curable with early diagnosis. Even in terminal cases, life scan can be prolonged.
 

- If prostate cancer is diagnosed early, it is completely curable.- Cervical cancer is also curable.
 

- Most of skin cancers are curable by surgery.

 

 

Myth 5:Treatment of cancer is more painful rather than cancer itself

  

Fact: It may be true in olden days. But, in today’s advanced cancer treatment scenario, it is completely a myth. With the help of Lasers, the cancers in neck, throat can be removed within minutes without pain.
 

There are also so many advances in radiation therapy also. With the help of advanced radiation techniques, only cancerous cells can be removed. Though, chemotherapy causes loss of hair and vomiting. But, it is a temporary phenomenon. Latest drugs for cancer have minimized most of the side effects.

 

 

Myth 6: Cancer may spread if knife is used.
 

Truth: It is a wrong statement. With the latest knowledge on cancer spread, doctors take care of recurrences and precautions.

 

 

Myth 7: Are we helpless in preventing cancer?
 

Cancer Fact: With proper disciplined daily life, we can prevent many cancers.
 

- Avoid taking excess of fatty foods.
 

- Obesity
 

- Take fiber rich diet.
 

- Daily exercise
 

- No smoking and drinking
 

- Keeping genital organs clean.

 

There is a greater need to increase the awareness of cancer in people who have so many wrong myths on cancer.