Debunking Misconceptions That Create Fear, Delay Diagnosis & Affect Treatment
Despite advancements in cancer research and awareness, myths and misconceptions about cancer still persist – especially in India. These myths can cause unnecessary fear, delay in seeking treatment, and even stigmatization of patients.
As a Radiation Oncologist, I meet people every day who walk in with questions shaped more by hearsay than by facts. It’s time we separate myth from medicine.
🚫 Myth #1: “Cancer is always fatal.”
✅ Fact: Cancer is NOT always a death sentence.
Many types of cancer – especially when detected early – are highly treatable and even curable. Survival rates are steadily improving with newer treatments like immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and precision radiation.
🟢 Today, millions of people worldwide are cancer survivors leading healthy, fulfilling lives.
🚫 Myth #2: “Cancer is contagious.”
✅ Fact: Cancer does not spread from person to person.
You cannot “catch” cancer by touching, hugging, or being around a cancer patient.
🟢 The only exceptions are rare virus-linked cancers (like HPV or Hepatitis B), where the virus – not the cancer – is transmissible.
🚫 Myth #3: “Only smokers get lung cancer.”
✅ Fact: While smoking is a major risk factor, non-smokers can and do get lung cancer.
Causes can include air pollution, second-hand smoke, occupational exposure, and even genetic mutations.
🟢 Never-smoking lung cancer cases are rising, especially among younger women.
🚫 Myth #4: “A biopsy or surgery makes cancer spread.”
✅Fact: This is a very common and harmful myth.
Biopsies and surgeries are performed with extreme care and do not cause cancer to spread. In fact, these procedures are critical for diagnosis and treatment.
🟢 Avoiding biopsy can lead to delayed diagnosis and worse outcomes.
🚫 Myth #5: “Radiation therapy burns your body.”
✅ Fact: Modern radiation therapy is highly precise.
It targets only the cancer cells with minimal impact on surrounding tissues. Side effects are usually localized, temporary, and manageable.
🟢 Technologies like IMRT, IGRT, and SBRT have transformed radiation into a safe, effective option.
🚫 Myth #6: “If there’s no pain, it can’t be cancer.”
✅ Fact: Many cancers – especially in the early stages – are painless and silent.
Waiting for pain to appear often leads to late detection.
🟢 Regular screening and health checkups are essential, especially if there’s a family history.
🚫 Myth #7: “Cancer treatment is worse than the disease.”
✅ Fact: While side effects exist, modern treatment is far more tolerable than it was in the past. Supportive care, nutrition, counselling, and personalized planning help patients cope better and maintain quality of life.
🟢 The goal today isn’t just survival – it’s survivorship.
🚫 Myth #8: “Once treated, cancer always comes back.”
✅ Fact: Many cancers, when caught early and treated appropriately, never return.
The risk of recurrence varies with type, stage, and individual factors, but a significant number of patients go on to live cancer-free lives.
🟢 Follow-ups are important – but fear of recurrence should not overshadow recovery.
🧭 Final Thought
Misinformation can be dangerous. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or just someone seeking clarity – don’t rely on WhatsApp forwards or word-of-mouth. Seek credible sources, ask your doctor, and stay informed.
Because when it comes to cancer, knowledge truly is power.
📞 Consult Dr. Amrita Srivastava
Radiation Oncologist | Navi Mumbai
🌐 www.dramritasrivastava.com
📧 dramrita.oncology@gmail.com | 📞 +91 9136980810