Destroying myths about cancer and its treatment – the truth that saves lives

However, in recent decades, medicine has made significant advances in the diagnosis and treatment of oncology. Modern technologies make it possible to detect tumours at the earliest stages when the chances of successful treatment are much higher. New methods of radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy and personalised medicine, give patients more options to fight the disease.

Facts

Deaths from cancer have been gradually declining globally in recent decades:

 

According to the National Cancer Institute, there were about 16.9 million people in the U.S. who beat cancer in 2019. The likelihood of dying from malignant tumours in the country is declining by 1.5% per year. Today, the 5-year survival rate for breast, prostate and thyroid cancer exceeds the 90% mark. 

In Europe, the situation is similar. Cancer Research UK states that in the UK, cancer survival rates have doubled in the last 40 years. For example, the survival rate for malignant testicular tumours is 98%, also more than 80% of people with various types of cancer live for 10 years or more. 

In reality, based on numerous studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and sources, even the most complex cancers can be successfully treated. Innovative therapies have significantly improved the prognosis for many patients.

Facts

US scientists have found an effective way to fight terminal breast cancer. Scientists at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) have developed a method of immunotherapy using tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) that helps women with metastatic breast cancer achieve durable remission. This method involves extracting cells from the tumour, growing them in the laboratory and injecting them back into the patient’s body. The study results have shown that the tumour and metastases partially or completely disappear. 

In addition, in February 2024, the FDA approved a new treatment for advanced melanoma and other solid tumours using Lifileucel (Amtagvi). Clinical trials showed that 31.5% of patients achieved an objective response, and 54% maintained a positive effect for over 12 months. 

Cancer is not contagious. A person with cancer cannot pass the disease to other people. Cancer is caused by genetic mutations and factors that affect cells, but it is not transmitted by contact or through the air.

Fact

However, some sexually transmitted infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B and C viruses, can lead to cervical and liver cancer. In these cases, the infectious agent is the cause of the cancer, but the disease itself is not contagious.

 

Also, in rare cases, cancer can be transmitted through organ or tissue transplants from a donor who has had cancer before, but the risk is extremely low. According to the National Cancer Institute, the chance of getting cancer after an organ transplant is 2:10,000.

According to the American Cancer Society, modern surgical techniques aim to remove the tumour as completely as possible and prevent it from spreading. Surgery remains one of the primary methods of cancer treatment, and when done correctly, the risk of recurrence is minimal.

 

In foreign clinics, operations are performed using laparoscopy, endoscopy and robotic systems. Minimally invasive surgeries require only small incisions, which reduces the risk of infection, reduces pain and speeds recovery. Robotic systems allow surgeons to perform operations with even greater precision, helping to reduce complications and improve treatment outcomes.

In addition, for some cancers, intraoperative HIPEC chemotherapy or radiation may be given during surgery. Intraoperative chemotherapy is the injection of anti-cancer drugs directly into the tumour area during surgery. The procedure helps destroy remaining cancer cells and reduces the risk of recurrence. Intraoperative radiotherapy involves irradiating the tumour or surrounding tissue directly during surgery, which significantly increases the effectiveness of the treatment and helps to prevent the disease from recurring.

Facts

Surgery for liver cancer is a key treatment option, with 5-year patient survival rates as high as 89% when timely intervention is performed. 

Mohs surgery for skin cancer shows high efficacy, with complete recovery in 90-100% of patients. 

In nephroblastoma, if surgery is performed promptly and in combination with comprehensive therapy, the 5-year survival rate reaches 89%. 

Folk remedies and alternative medicine are not proven cancer treatments. Modern medicine relies on scientific research and clinical trials to identify effective and safe treatments.

Fact

Not only can folk remedies be ineffective, but they can also harm your health, according to the National Cancer Institute. For example, some herbal supplements such as kava can cause liver damage, and St. John’s wort can reduce the effectiveness of drugs used to treat cancer.

 

Moreover, using folk medicine instead of modern medical methods can be particularly dangerous because it wastes valuable time. During this time, the cancer may progress and opportunities for successful treatment may become less available.

 

For effective treatment, it is important to rely on proven medical methods and to consult your doctor regularly. Current approaches to cancer treatment include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and anti-cancer drugs that have reasonable efficacy and can achieve significant success against the disease.

Breast cancer treatment can involve a variety of surgical techniques, and a total mastectomy is not always mandatory. Doctors often offer alternatives such as endoscopic or subcutaneous mastectomy. This method involves removing breast tissue through small incisions under the arm, allowing more of the natural tissue to be preserved and allowing reconstruction of the breast while maintaining its natural appearance. The surgery preserves the nipple and breast sensitivity, which greatly improves the quality of life of the patients.

Fact

According to research, subcutaneous mastectomy is as effective as open surgery. The 5-year survival rate after endoscopic surgery is:

 

Stage 0: up to 100% 

Stage 1: 98-99% 

Stage 2: 90-99% 

 

In addition, women who have undergone minimally invasive surgery often have better psychosocial well-being and report better sex life after surgery. This type of surgery is also recommended for men with gynecomastia or breast cancer.

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Fact

Breast cancer can occur in men, although such cases are rare, accounting for about 1% of all reported cases, as indicated by the World Journal of Surgical Oncology. Most men are unaware of the possible risk, which can lead to ignoring symptoms, especially if they are at risk. This can make timely diagnosis and treatment difficult.

Although positive mood cannot replace medical treatment, it can have a significant impact on the patient’s quality of life and adaptation to the disease.

In foreign clinics, the treatment of a psychologist or a counsellor has been included in the standard of cancer treatment since 2007. This is because depression or anxiety has a negative impact on treatment and general health. Studies show that depression can lead to a less healthy lifestyle, missed follow-up examinations and worsened treatment dynamics. Psychological support improves quality of life and reduces anxiety and depression, which contributes to more effective treatment and an improved immune response.

Fact

An article in the Journal of Radiotherapy & Medical Oncology describes the positive effects of psychological support in cancer treatment. A randomised trial showed that psychological interventions can delay breast cancer recurrence by 6 months and extend survival by about a year. There is also evidence that psychological support helps reduce cancer incidence, which is partly attributed to interfering with the production of stress hormones and stimulating immunity.

Many forms of cancer can be asymptomatic, especially in the initial stages. For example, pancreatic cancer or early lung cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms until it becomes more advanced. The lack of obvious signs of the disease can lead to a patient not seeking medical attention for a long time. During this time, the disease progresses. As a result, treatment becomes more aggressive and expensive than if the cancer is detected at an early stage.

Fact

According to the World Health Organisation, 30%-50% of cancer deaths can be prevented through timely diagnosis and prevention. Moreover, 80% of cancers can be completely cured if detected early. Also, thanks to early diagnosis and the introduction of screening programmes in European countries, it was possible to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer by 2 times.

The US is certainly one of the world leaders in oncology, but to say that cancer treatment is only successful there would be an exaggeration. Many other countries have made significant progress in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, offering patients high-quality medical care.

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Summary

Thanks to early diagnosis and new therapies, survival rates for many cancers have reached high levels, as evidenced by decreased mortality and increased longevity of patients. 

Based on many studies, even the most complex cancers can be successfully treated with early diagnosis and modern therapies. 

Cancer is not contagious and cannot be transmitted from person to person through contact or air. However, certain viruses can increase the risk of developing certain cancers. In rare cases, the risk of cancer transmission can occur with organ transplants, but this risk is extremely low. 

Modern surgical techniques aim to completely remove the tumour with minimal risk of spread. Intraoperative chemotherapy and radiation help to effectively fight the remaining cancer cells, improving treatment outcomes and reducing the likelihood of recurrence. 

Folk remedies and alternative medicine are not proven cancer treatments, as their effectiveness and safety have not been confirmed by scientific studies. Such “treatments” may not only fail to help but may also be harmful to your health and interact with the medications. 

Breast cancer treatment can include a variety of surgical methods, and total mastectomy is not always necessary. Doctors often offer alternative approaches, such as endoscopic mastectomy. The technique can preserve much of the natural tissue and preserve the natural appearance and sensitivity of the breast.. 

Breast cancer can occur in men, although such cases are quite rare. According to the World Journal of Surgical Oncology, about 1% of all breast cancer cases occur in men. 

In foreign clinics, psychological support has been an integral part of cancer treatment since 2007, as depression and anxiety can have a negative impact on the overall condition and recovery process. Psychological support can delay breast cancer recurrence by 6 months and extend survival by a year, improving patients’ general condition and immune response. 

Many forms of cancer can be asymptomatic, making it difficult to detect the disease promptly. Timely diagnosis and prevention can prevent up to 50% of cancer deaths, and early detection increases the chances of a full recovery by up to 80%. Comprehensive Check-Up preventive screening can detect diseases at early stages and assess overall health, which helps in successful treatment and prevention of serious diseases. 

Many countries, including Israel, Turkey, South Korea and a number of European countries, have made significant advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment, using advanced methods and technologies similar to those used in the United States. Leading medical centres in these countries are rigorously audited to meet international standards, ensuring that patients have access to high-quality care. 

Sources:

1. 1. Medical News Today: Medical myths: All about cancer
2. 2. National Cancer Institute: Common Cancer Myths and Misconceptions
3. 3. Indian Journal of Medical Research: Debunk the myths: Oncologic misconceptions
4. 4. Cancer Research UK: Cancer Statistics for the UK
5. 5. National Cancer Institute: Cancer Statistics
6. 6. National Cancer Institute: NCI study advances personalized immunotherapy for metastatic breast cancer
7. 7. MJH Life Sciences: Precision Treatment With TIL Shows Promise in Metastatic Breast Cancer
8. 8. National Cancer Institute: First Cancer TIL Therapy Gets FDA Approval for Advanced Melanoma
9. 9. CDC: Basic Information about HPV and Cancer
10. 10. Cancer Research UK: Can infection with EBV, HIV, hepatitis or parasites cause cancer
11. 11. American Cancer Society: Risks of Cancer Surgery
12. 12. National Cancer Institute: Complementary and Alternative Medicine
13. 13. Surgery 2002 Jan;131(1 Suppl):S324-9: Early results of an endoscope-assisted subcutaneous mastectomy and reconstruction for breast cancer
14. 14. World Journal of Surgical Oncology: A case report of male breast cancer in a very young patient: What is changing?
15. 15. Journal of Radiotherapy & Medical Oncology: The Psychologist’s Role in Oncology
16. 16. The Cancer Atlas: Early Detection

Vadim Berezhnoi (M.D.)

Doctor, founder

Doctor, medical editor, expert with over 9 years of experience in the field of medical tourism.

Lidia Artemenko

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She has been working as a copywriter for more than 5 years. She has a 1 year experience in medical tourism copywriting.