Busting common cancer myths

For most people, cancer of any organ is one of the most horrifying diseases of all time. This has also lead to the spread of fear and helplessness, but the truth is that many of these are myths, which have to be addressed to the general public.

Cancer is the spreading of a tumour from one cell to another, leading to the malfunctioning of other cells. The progress of a cell from a pre-cancerous lesion to a malignant tumour is based partially on genetic factors and partly on external agents such as:

1. Physical carcinogens (cancer-causing agents)- UV radiation
2. Chemical carcinogens- asbestos, components of tobacco smoke, aflatoxin (food contaminant) and arsenic (affecting drinking water)
3. Biological carcinogens- Infection from harmful bacteria, viruses or parasites

4^th February 2014 will be celebrated as World Cancer Day, as is the practice every year. The entire online campaign for the coming year is based upon “Debunking the myths related to cancer.”

medical writing

 

Myth1: We don’t need to talk about cancer

Feelings of shock and stigma are quite natural. This may also lead to a never-ending cycle of fear and depression. Instead, what is relevant is stressing the importance of early detection, sometimes by counteracting cultural barriers. Many cultures even consider it taboo to talk about the disease in public, considering its impact as a life-changing event on the victim.

Support groups, partners, friends and family members of the infected person help in improving quality of life and reduce anxiety. Through campaigns, it is possible to educate family and friends about the symptoms of male cancers (testicular, prostate and colorectal).

Myth 2: There are no signs or symptoms of cancer

It is important that health professionals and individuals are able to recognise symptoms of cancer, wherever possible. Though it is true that symptoms of all forms of cancer are not known, early detection can take control of breast, skin, cervical, and some childhood cancers. Researchers globally are searching for innovative methods of detection.

An effective screening process, which helps in the system application of a test to an asymptomatic population, is required. It determines pre-cancerous treatment and enables timely diagnosis. Examples of screening methods are: visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) for cervical cancer for low income groups, PAP test for middle and high income groups, and mammography for breast cancer in high income groups.

Myth 3: There is nothing I can do about cancer

Many preventive measures can be taken at the individual and community levels. Education with respect to a healthy lifestyle with adequate physical activity and a nutritious balanced diet is important. It is true that consumption of tobacco leads to 71% of lung cancer deaths and 22% of all cancer fatalities.

Obesity is another alarming concern which has the potential of leading to cancer, if not controlled. It is strongly a cause for breast, uterine, pancreatic, kidney and oesophagus cancers, which can be eliminated by limiting the consumption of junk food.

Exposure to UV radiation is responsible for the spread of skin cancer. Through campaigns, education about the same can be passed on to the public.

Treatment

Cancer treatment involves careful selection of methods, such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. It can help in either curing the disease or improve quality of life. But there are some harmful effects of radiation as well. Improved access to oral morphine is helpful in treatment of moderate to severe cancer pain.

Myth 4: I don’t have the right to cancer care

Access to cancer health care is necessary for social justice. All people should have equal access to adequate and affordable medicines, treatment and technologies. However, a gap is often seen between the resources available in developed and developing countries.

In most cases, lack of access to pain relief medicine and socio-economic factors contribute to deteriorating health. Even lack of awareness compounds this problem. Thereby, the Government needs to play a huge role in creating Universal Health Insurance policies and establishing hospitals that provide affordable treatment. Cancer control programs also need to be launched in a big way, considering the large size of impacted nations. If ignored, this would have serious economic implications.

Cancer is undoubtedly a major challenge against social and economic development. Individuals and Governments have to realise that this risk can be managed effectively by investing in health. Just like major campaigns such as eradication of Polio have been successful in India, the same approach can be taken towards cancer. Of course, society needs to play a major role