Cancer is a terrifying and super-complex disease which claims so many unsuspecting lives every year. Small wonder then that a clutch of myths and misconceptions have been created around the dreaded disease, fuelling needless anxiety and confusion. This can cloud people’s judgement and prevent them from learning more about treatment and prevention.

Some of the most common cancer myths:

Cancer is infectious: Many people in India like in other countries believe cancer is contagious and that one person can get it from another. This perception often makes cancer patients social outcasts, and their families go through an unimaginable ordeal. However, nothing can be further from scientific truth. Cancer is not an infectious disease, and no one can catch cancer from being in close proximity to a cancer patient. The disease is not precipitated by any bacteria, virus or other pathogens which could be transmitted from individual to individual. However, certain viral infections, such as Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Hepatitis B virus (HBV), can contribute to the development of cancer.
Cancer is a death sentence: Yes, cancer can sometimes put the life of a patient at peril. But the disease is in no way a death sentence. Survival rates have improved immensely over the years thanks to huge leaps in cancer research and treatment. When detected early and treated swiftly, many types of cancer are highly curable. In recent times, targeted therapies and immunotherapies have raised the bar further for cancer treatment, holding out hope to millions.
Cancer is inherited: While having a family history of cancer does raise your risk, it surely doesn’t mean you are certain to have the disease. Cancers are usually caused by a cocktail of genetic and environmental factors. The element of risk can be raised by inherited gene mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2, but everybody who has such mutations won’t develop cancer. If you have a family history, regular screening is highly recommended.
Magic diet can cure cancer: This is an eternal myth and while a healthy diet can be beneficial for overall wellbeing and contribute towards cancer prevention, no single magic food or a combination of foods or a super supplement has been proven to cure cancer alone. A balanced diet can cut the risk of cancer, but it can’t be a substitute for time-tested scientific treatments, including surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
Only smokers get lung cancer: Smoking is a leading cause, but not the only cause of lung cancer. Non-smokers are also vulnerable to lung cancer and the risk is exacerbated by second-hand smoke, air pollution, radon gas and asbestos. Lung cancer involves a clutch of risk factors, and someone can get the disease without ever taking a puff as well.
Treatment is worse than the disease itself: There is a strong perception that cancer treatment is a dreadful ordeal. So much so, that some people simply avoid seeing a doctor. Yes, treatment sometimes can be challenging and test your staying power. However, it is not necessarily worse or more painful than the disease itself. Recent advances have in fact ensured a lot fewer side-effects. On completion of successful treatment, the quality of life usually improves dramatically.
Alternative therapies work better than conventional medicine: Very often alternative modes like acupuncture, herbal remedies and food supplements are touted as effective treatment strategy for cancer. While some of these therapies might help alleviate some cancer-related symptoms or treatment side-effects, there isn’t any scientific evidence that these are effective primary cancer treatments.
Cancer is always painful: This is not true since not all cancers cause pain. Also, the intensity of pain varies widely. While some cancers don’t cause pain before reaching an advanced stage, other types could cause pain and discomfort from the outset. This is the reason why pain management is an essential part of cancer care, including medicines and non-pharmacological approaches.