Cancer is a serious illness, but modern medicine provides many effective treatment options for this disease. As a result, many people can now expect a better prognosis for most types of cancer. However, many myths regarding cancer treatment continue to spread despite the continuing advances in cancer therapy.
It’s essential to address these myths to fully understand the options available to you, which include chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Debunking cancer treatment myths can help you gain better access to safe and effective healthcare.
Myth: Cancer Is Fatal and Inevitable as You Age
While cancer can be dangerous, people with cancer are not doomed. Modern treatments allow for higher survival rates. Complete clearance is also possible, with many patients able to eliminate cancer from their bodies.
Many types of cancer indeed become more common among older adults. However, age is only one of the multiple risk factors for this disease. Avoiding exposure to carcinogens is an effective way to reduce your risk of developing cancer. Likewise, a healthy diet and regular exercise are also helpful for reducing your cancer risk.
Myth: All Tumors Are Cancerous
While any abnormal lumps deserve medical attention, not all tumors have cancer cells. Malignant tumors can metastasize and spread to other parts of the body. However, benign tumors are not capable of this. Nevertheless, you should notify your doctor of any abnormal growths. Early screening can lead to better treatment, regardless of whether you have cancer or not.
Myth: Surgery Always Removes Cancer Cells Completely
Surgical removal of cancerous cells is one of the preferred treatment methods for cancer. Unlike chemotherapy or radiation therapy, surgery is a localized procedure that doesn’t typically impact the rest of the body. While removing all cancer cells is ideal, surgery can still be useful even if some cancer cells remain in the body.
Debulking surgery entails removing as many cancer cells as possible. Even if some cancer cells remain, debulking increases success rates for further treatments using medication or radiation. Debulking is done when it is difficult to remove all cancerous nodules without introducing heavy damage to surrounding normal tissue. Debulking is done commonly for advanced ovarian cancer.
Myth: Cancer Treatment Is Excruciating
Many treatment methods, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can destroy both normal and cancerous cells. Rapidly dividing cells, such as cells in your digestive tract, are sensitive to the effects of cancer therapy.
However, treatment does not have to lead to debilitating symptoms. Individual responses to therapy can vary. Your cancer care team can make adjustments in your treatment plan to help you achieve optimal results with minimal side effects. Your doctor may also prescribe other medicines to combat the side effects of cancer treatment.
Myth: People Undergoing Cancer Treatment Cannot Enjoy Life
While most cancer treatment methods will cause side effects, they won’t necessarily make your life difficult. A competent cancer care system will help you obtain treatment while minimizing its impacts on your life. A holistic healthcare approach lets doctors advise you on adjusting to cancer therapy, ensuring that you’ll retain as much normalcy as possible.
Rarer cancers might require treatment at specialized healthcare facilities, but most people with cancer can proceed with outpatient care. Under this system, you only need to occasionally visit your doctor to monitor your health and make any necessary adjustments.
Complete Cancer Care in Wooster, Ohio
Many beliefs regarding cancer care are outdated. These myths only serve to introduce additional stress and may even prevent patients from seeking treatment. Contrary to what some people might say, cancer treatment is safe and effective. By working with a comprehensive healthcare facility, you can receive the best medical outcomes from your treatments.
Located in Wooster, Ohio, Wooster Community Hospital combines the expertise of large-scale urban hospitals with a local health center’s hospitality. This dual approach allows us to provide top-notch medical care for all of our patients. For inquiries, call us at (330) 262-2800 or request an appointment online. We look forward to giving you the care you deserve.
