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February 4th is World Cancer Day. This year's theme is – I am and I will do it One of the last things you would like to hear from your doctor is "You have cancer". Unfortunately, the number of cancer diagnoses is steadily increasing over the years. Here are some of the most common myths about the dreaded "C" word, as well as the latest truths about what you really need to know about the disease.
Myth: If there is no family history, you do not have to worry about cancer.
Truth: Genetics only accounts for 5 to 10% of all cancers. In fact, your risk of developing any type of cancer, regardless of your family history, is one in three. If you have a family history of cancer, talk to your doctor, as this may help determine the type of tests your doctor may choose to perform, which may lead to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment if Cancer.
Myth: You can not do anything to prevent cancer.
TruthAlthough many cases of cancer have no obvious cause, about 42% of cancer diagnoses and 45% of cancer deaths are linked to modifiable risk factors, according to one study. It is suspected that more than half of cancer cases could be prevented if people took simple measures, such as an herbal diet, limit alcohol and do 150 minutes of moderate physical activity (such as a fast walk) or 75 minutes of intense activity, a week.
Myth: The diet has nothing to do with cancer prevention.
TruthWhile there is no specific "superfood" that can help you stay healthy, research has shown that a plant-based diet can reduce the overall risk of cancer from 10 to 12 years. %.
Myth: Sleep plays no role in preventing cancer.
TruthOn the contrary, according to one study, men under 65 who sleep only three to five hours a night are 55% more likely to die of prostate cancer than men by seven hours.
MythThere is no link between oral health and cancer.
TruthAccording to the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, the overall risk of developing cancer is 24% higher in people with severe gingivitis than in those with mild or non-existent gum disease.
Myth: You may be too old for cancer treatment.
Truth: There is no age limit for cancer treatment. Decisions about cancer treatment for older adults should be taken into account because of the same factors as for younger adults and should not be focused solely on the age of the person. Many elderly patients benefit as much from treatment as younger patients. However, some older people may have other illnesses that could limit the use of specific treatments.
Myth: Anyone with cancer should start treatment immediately.
Truth: If a cancer is detected at an early stage, develops slowly and your doctor thinks that cancer treatment would cause more discomfort than the disease, your doctor may recommend that you wait with vigilance. During which cancer is closely monitored. Treatment usually starts if the cancer shows signs of growth or begins to cause symptoms.
Myth: Cancer feeds on sugar.
Truth: There is no conclusive evidence that sugar consumption will promote the growth and spread of cancer more quickly. All of the body's cells, healthy cells and cancer cells, depend on glucose, a type of sugar, to function. And the body breaks down all the food you eat into glucose molecules. So eating sugar would not accelerate the growth of cancer, as removing it completely would not slow its growth.
Myth: Electronic devices, such as mobile phones, can cause cancer in people who use them.
TruthSome studies suggest a link with some rare types of brain tumors, but the consensus among well-designed population studies is that there is no consistent badociation between phone use cell and brain cancer.
The author is a consultant in radiation oncology at United Hospital Limited, Dhaka.
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