As there oncology, why we have not invented drugs against cancer and more importantly, how to protect against it. MedikForum refutes the most popular myths about the disease.
1. cancer is incurable
On the one hand - this is a myth, and on the other - the dark side of reality. Cancer - is not one disease, but a group of cancers that can affect various organs and body systems. Of about 100 known species of malignant tumors, and each has its own individual characteristics and methods development. Today, therefore, it is easier to send a man to the moon and to colonize Mars than to come up with a universal cure for cancer.
Here is an example lymphoma - a malignant tumor of the lymphatic system. There are two main groups of lymphoma - Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. In particular, the latter includes more than 60 species they come from different cells may have different causes and are treated quite differently.
Success rate in the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma varies from 20-90%. Dispel this myth to the end is impossible, because the success of therapy available to today depends on many factors.
Of course, for many, this diagnosis is worse than a death sentence. However, now the world spend billions of dollars on research that contribute to significant advances in the treatment of oncology.
2. Cancer patients are more likely to die
Today it is a myth, which, unfortunately, can become a reality within the next decade. According to the latest WHO report, most people die due to cardiovascular disease. For example, in 2016 15.8 million deaths occurred due to heart attacks and strokes. Cancers located on the 2nd place on the level of mortality in the world. In 2018 the death rate from cancer was approximately 9.5 million cases.
But there is good news. For example, it fell by more than 25% since 1991, the death rate from cancer. For example, lung cancer mortality rates among men decreased by 45%, women - 21% from 2002 to 2015.
3. Cancer does not occur in the early stages
In fact, everything is relative. Quite often patients do come already with popular late stages. Unfortunately, many people do not immediately go to the doctor if there are any symptoms, explaining their various factors.
For example, chronic fatigue and excessive sleepiness blamed on overstrain at work, itchy skin - allergies, and chronic cough explain colds. It is for the early diagnosis of the world's developed screening programs for different population groups. A large and important role played by the family doctor, as well as a responsible attitude towards their health.
4. Cancer is inherited
Cancer usually arises due to gene mutations that occur randomly in one or more cells of the organism.
Such changes are called somatic mutations may occur as a natural consequence of aging or damage cellular DNA to various reasons. Acquired mutations only in certain cells of the body, and they are passed from parents to children. That is, the genes with which we were born, may contribute to the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
A small percentage of people the disease is due to a different type of mutation - genetic. These mutations are usually transmitted from one or both parents and are present in almost every cell of the body.
That is, not everyone who has the hereditary gene mutations in 100% of cases of ill oncology. Genetic testing is already in the world and it is recommended to go to people who have a family history of cancer.
5. Cancer can be caught
Not. Cancer is not SARS or even HIV. So if you live in the same room with someone who is sick in any oncological disease - 100% you will not be able to catch.
6. cancer prevention does not exist
This is the main myth and a very big mistake. Today, all scientists of the world are focused not only on improving the level of patient survival, but also to the prevention of cancer.
Of course, not all cancers are preventable, and no one will give an absolute guarantee that the person will never diagnosed with a tumor. But prevention significantly reduces the risk of cancer.
7. breast cancer only in women
It is a myth. According to statistics, about 350 men in the UK fall ill with the disease each year. Of course, women with breast cancer a hundred times more, but the symptoms and diagnosis of the same.
The main risk factors for developing breast cancer is for men age, alcoholism, liver disease, obesity, estrogen therapy, testicular disease, and others. Given that the exact cause of the disease is still unknown, we can only recommend to avoid these factors.
8. Cancer can be cured only by surgery
In cancer treatment using various types of therapy, which depends on the type of tumor, stage and other factors. At present, there are types of cancer treatment - surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, autologous and allogeneic bone marrow transplantation, an experimental therapy.
in the world now use an individualized approach to treatment. There are standards and protocols of therapy. Therefore, the choice of tactics of treatment depends on many factors.
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