[ad_1]
Blood cancers occur when the body produces large numbers of immature blood cells that are unable to function properly, preventing normal function and blocking the bone marrow which prevents infections. Blood is made up of different types of cells that perform different functions.
Blood cancer, a much feared disease, is viewed with great trepidation due to a number of myths surrounding its causes and treatment. Blood cancer is incurable, it occurs because of anemia, taking vitamins and supplements can prevent the disease, are some of the common myths surrounding the disease.
Dr Girish VB, Senior Consultant in Hematology, Hematology-Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, Fortis Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road, shatters 7 such myths about blood cancer.
ALSO READ: Bladder Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment. Everything you want to know
Myth 1: Cancer treatment prevents you from living at home, working, or going about your daily business.
Made: The majority of cancer patients are treated in their community on an outpatient basis. Going to a specialist medical center for treatment can be beneficial on the occasion, where doctors frequently collaborate with doctors in your hometown, allowing you to stay close to family and friends. People may want to take time off work to focus on their health on certain occasions. Many times it is possible to return to work or continue working.
Myth 2: Cancer is genetic and there isn’t much you can do about it
Made: False. Even with risk factors such as smoking or a genetic variation, such as in the BRCA1 gene, there is no guarantee of developing cancer. As the saying goes, “Genes are bullets; the environment is the weapon that shoots them. With a healthy lifestyle, the genetic risks are greatly reduced.
Myth 3: Taking vitamins and supplements can help reduce your risk
Made: Although this statement has been heavily promoted and marketed, there is no scientific evidence for it. In some cases, taking higher doses (of vitamins and supplements) may increase the risk. Rather than relying on artificial vitamins and health supplements, it is better to eat whole foods.
Myth 4: All blood cancer patients need a bone marrow transplant.
Made: Transplants are not necessary for all patients with blood cancer. The benefits of a bone marrow transplant are evaluated individually for each patient based on the underlying diagnosis, response to treatment and the genetic profile of the tumor. Cutting-edge gene profiling technology combined with a new targeted therapy has improved patient response to treatment in acute leukemia cases, the majority of which do not need it on the front line.
Myth 5: Anemia causes cancer of the blood.
Made: Anemia can develop in patients with blood cancer, but is not the cause. Anemia occurs when the body produces an insufficient amount of healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin because it depends on them for oxygen. In the case of red blood cells and lack of oxygen, the causes of fatigue interfere with the normal functioning of the body’s organs. Anemia can be caused by a variety of medical conditions, with iron deficiency being the most common cause.
Myth 6: The only type of cancer in the blood is leukemia.
Made: Leukemia, myeloma and lymphoma are the three types of blood cancers. The abnormal production of white blood cells in the bone marrow causes leukemia. It stays in the bloodstream and does not spread to other organs, so there are no steps involved.
Myeloma is cancer of the bone marrow that can affect any part of the body, including the pelvis and spine, and can occur in more than one place at the same time.
Lymphoma affects the lymph nodes and the lymphatic system. Although the causes remain unknown, it is linked to HIV, EBV, genetic disorders and environmental exposure to carcinogens.
Myth 7: Blood cancer has no cure.
Made: In our long battle with cancer, every day brings something positive. Blood cancer treatment success rates are improving dramatically, and patients are living longer than ever before. There are now various effective and targeted therapeutic agents which have been effective such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, bone marrow transplant and immunotherapy to beat cancer, thanks to countless laboratories engaged in research of point. There is a better chance of full recovery with early diagnosis.
Follow more stories on Facebook & Twitter
[ad_2]
Source link