Racca myths: we debunk delusions
Cancer is a single disease: myth
Despite the fact that all types of cancer are characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells, “cancer” is not a single disease, but rather a general term for more than 200 different diseases. Each type of cancer has its own unique causes, symptoms, methods of treatment and forecasts. For example, lung cancer differs significantly from breast or blood cancer (leukemia). Different types of cancer occur in different organs and tissues, have different genetic mutations, and react differently to therapy. Understanding this heterogeneity is crucial for the development of effective methods of treatment and personalized medicine. For example, treatment, effective for one type of cancer, may be completely ineffective or even harmful to another. Classification of cancer is based on the type of cells from which it occurs (for example, carcinoma, sarcoma, lymphoma, leukemia), localization in the body and stage of development. Genetic profiling of tumors is becoming more and more important for determining the individual characteristics of cancer and choosing the most suitable treatment. Immunotherapy, for example, shows promising results in some types of cancer, but ineffective with others. Thus, it is important to remember that “cancer” is an umbrella term that covers many different diseases requiring an individual approach to diagnosis and treatment.
Cancer is always a death sentence: myth
While cancer is, of course, a serious disease, this is far from always a death sentence. Significant achievements in the field of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer have led to an improvement in survival indicators with many types of cancer. Early detection of cancer using screening programs and self -examination plays a decisive role in increasing the chances of successful treatment. The development of new methods of treatment, such as targeted therapy, immunotherapy and improved radiation therapy, significantly expanded the possibility of cancer treatment. Improving maintenance therapy also helps patients better to endure side effects of treatment and improves the quality of their lives. For example, breast cancer, prostate cancer and thyroid cancer have high survival rates in early detection and treatment. Even with more aggressive types of cancer, progress in treatment extends the life of patients and improves their quality of life. It is important to remember that the prognosis of cancer depends on many factors, including the type of cancer, the stage of development, the general state of health of the patient and the response to treatment. Optimistic mood and active participation in the treatment process can also positively affect the results. It is important to discuss all treatment options with an oncologist and adhere to a recommended treatment plan.
Cancer is a hereditary disease: myth
Although heredity plays a role in the development of some types of cancer, most cancer cases (about 90-95%) are not directly hereditary. Hereditary factors, such as certain genetic mutations (for example, mutations of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes with breast and ovaries cancer), can increase the risk of cancer, but do not guarantee its occurrence. Most cancer cases arise as a result of sporadic genetic mutations that occur throughout human life due to the effects of environmental factors, lifestyle and accidental errors in cell division. Risk factors, such as smoking, alcohol abuse, malnutrition, exposure to ultraviolet radiation and some chemicals, can contribute to the development of cancer. It is important to remember that even if you have a family story of cancer, this does not mean that you will definitely get cancer. You can reduce your risk by adhering to a healthy lifestyle, avoiding known risk factors and regularly passing screening examinations. If you have a family story of cancer, talk with your doctor about genetic counseling and testing to evaluate your risk and discuss options for prevention and early detection.
Cancer contagious: MIF
Cancer is not an infectious disease. Cancer is not transmitted from person to person through contact, cough, sneezing or other methods. Cancer is the result of genetic changes in the cells of the body, which lead to uncontrolled growth and distribution. The only exception is a very rare case of transmission of cancer from mother to fetus during pregnancy, but this is an extremely rare occurrence. Some viruses, such as human papillomavirs (HPV) and hepatitis B virus (HMV), can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer (for example, cervical cancer, liver cancer), but the viruses themselves are not cancer cells. These viruses can cause chronic infection and inflammation, which over time can lead to genetic changes in cells and cancer development. Vaccination against HPV and HIDs can significantly reduce the risk of developing these types of cancer. It is important to understand the difference between viruses that can increase the risk of cancer, and cancer itself, which is not contagious.
Mobile phones cause cancer: myth
At the moment, there is no convincing scientific evidence confirming that the use of mobile phones causes cancer. Mobile phones emit radio frequency energy (radio waves), which is a form of non -ionizing radiation. Unlike ionizing radiation, such as x-rays and gamma rays, non-ionizing radiation does not have sufficient energy to damage DNA and cause cancer. Large -scale epidemiological studies conducted in many countries did not reveal the connection between the use of mobile phones and the increased risk of developing brain cancer or other types of cancer. The International Cancer Research Agency (MAIR) classified radio frequency radiation as a “cancer unit for a person” based on limited data on high risk of glioma (a certain type of brain cancer) in people who intensively used mobile phones. However, these data were inconsistent, and other studies did not confirm this connection. Currently, scientific organizations, such as the American Oncological Society and the National Institute of Cancer, do not believe that the use of mobile phones is a significant risk of cancer. If you are concerned about the possible effect of radio frequency energy from mobile phones, you can use loud connection or headphones to reduce the distance between the phone and head.
Artificial sweeteners cause cancer: myth
Numerous scientific studies have shown that artificial sweeteners, approved by regulatory authorities, such as the Office for Sanitary Supervision of the quality of food and US medicines (FDA) and the European food safety agency (EFSA), do not cause cancer in people when consumed in normal quantities. In the past, there were concerns about the connection between sugarin and bladder cancer in rats, but subsequent studies showed that this effect is not observed in people. S sumarin metabolism in rats differs from metabolism in people, so the results of animal research are not applicable to people. The FDA and EFSA have a thorough assessment of the safety of artificial sweeteners, such as aspartams, sucklose, sugar and stevia, and established permissible daily consumption standards (ADI), which are the amount of sweetener, which can be safely consumed daily throughout life without any harmful health consequences. It is important to use artificial sweeteners in moderate quantities and adhere to the recommended ADI. Artificial sweeteners can be useful for people with diabetes or for those who want to reduce sugar consumption. However, they should not be the only solution for a healthy diet. It is important to adhere to a balanced diet and lead a healthy lifestyle.
Microwave ovens cause cancer: myth
Microwaves do not cause cancer. Microwave ovens use microwave radiation for heating of food. Microwave radiation is a form of non -ionizing radiation similar to radio waves. As mentioned earlier, non -ionizing radiation does not have sufficient energy to damage DNA and cause cancer. The microwave stoves heat the food, forcing water molecules to vibrate in food, which creates heat. Microwave radiation does not make food radioactive and does not change its chemical composition so that it becomes carcinogenic. FDA regulates the production of microwave furnaces to guarantee that they are safe to use. Microwave furnaces must comply with strict security standards in order to prevent microwave leakage. It is important to use microwave ovens in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and use containers suitable for a microwave. Some plastic containers can secrete chemicals when heated, therefore it is recommended to use glass or ceramic containers.
“Super products” can cure cancer: myth
There are no “super -products” that can cure cancer. Although a balanced and healthy diet, rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, is important for overall health and can help reduce the risk of cancer, not a single product can cure cancer. Some products, such as berries, broccoli and green tea, contain antioxidants and other compounds that can have anti -cancer properties. However, these properties were studied mainly in laboratory conditions or on animals, and the results are not always applicable to people. It is important to remember that cancer is a complex disease, and cancer treatment requires an integrated approach that may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. A healthy diet can maintain cancer treatment and improve the quality of life of patients, but it is not a replacement for standard cancer treatment. Do not trust the allegations that certain products can cure cancer. Always consult your doctor or nutritionist before making significant changes to your diet, especially if you are undergoing cancer treatment.
The sour environment nourishes cancer: myth
The theory that the acidic environment feeds cancer is a simplified and inaccurate idea of the metabolism of cancer cells. Although cancer cells often have a different metabolism than normal cells, and can create a more acidic environment around itself, this does not mean that the use of alkaline food can cure cancer. PH of blood is strictly regulated by the body and is supported in a narrow range (about 7.35-7.45). The diet has a minimal effect on pH of blood. The body has complex buffering systems to maintain a stable pH. The use of a large amount of alkaline food or alkaline water will not change pH of blood to such an extent as to influence the growth of cancer cells. Cancer cells create an acidic environment around itself due to increased metabolism of glucose and lactic acid production. However, this occurs locally in the micro -infection of the tumor and is not associated with the total PH of the body. Some studies have shown that manipulating the tumor micro -inflection can be a potential therapeutic strategy, but this differs from the use of alkaline foods. It is important to adhere to a balanced diet and not rely on pseudo -scientific allegations that alkaline diet can cure cancer.
Surgical intervention leads to the spread of cancer: Myth
Surgical intervention is an important part of the treatment of many types of cancer, and it does not lead to the spread of cancer if it is performed by an experienced surgeon in accordance with standard protocols. On the contrary, surgical removal of the tumor can prevent the spread of cancer by removing the primary focus of the disease. In the past, there were fears that surgical intervention could lead to the spread of cancer cells to other parts of the body, but modern surgical methods and precautions minimize this risk. Surgeons use special methods to prevent cancer cells from entering the bloodstream or lymphatic system during surgery. These methods include careful handling of the tumor, the use of special tools and methods, as well as the removal of surrounding lymph nodes to check the presence of cancer cells. In some cases, surgical intervention may be contraindicated if cancer is too common or in an inaccessible place. However, this does not mean that surgical intervention in itself leads to the spread of cancer. It is important to discuss all treatment options with your doctor and understand the advantages and risks of each option.
Cancer loves sugar: myth
Cancer loves glucose, not sugar in general. Glucose is a simple sugar, which is the main source of energy for all cells, including cancer. Cancer cells often have increased glucose metabolism, which means that they consume more glucose than normal cells. This is due to the fact that cancer cells often have defects in mitochondria, organelles responsible for the production of energy, and therefore they rely on a less effective process called glycolis, which requires more glucose. However, this does not mean that sugar is caused by cancer or that the refusal of sugar will cure cancer. The body breaks down all carbohydrates, including complex carbohydrates, into glucose. Therefore, the refusal of sugar will not deprive the cancer cells of glucose. In addition, cancer cells can use other energy sources, such as amino acids and fatty acids. It is important to adhere to a balanced diet and avoid excessive sugar consumption, as this can lead to obesity and other health problems that can increase the risk of cancer. However, one should not believe the allegations that the refusal of sugar will heal cancer. Treatment of cancer requires an integrated approach, which may include surgical intervention, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
Deodorants and antiperspirants cause breast cancer: myth
There is no convincing scientific evidence confirming the relationship between the use of deodorants and antiperspirants and an increased risk of developing breast cancer. The fears arose due to the fact that antiperspirants contain aluminum, which can be absorbed by the skin and accumulate in the tissues of the mammary gland. There were also assumptions that parabens, preservatives used in some deodorants and antiperspirants can imitate estrogen and contribute to the development of breast cancer. However, most studies did not reveal the connection between the use of deodorants and antiperspirants and an increased risk of breast cancer. National