Cancer is still considered a delicate topic. Many people get scared just hearing the word and prefer to avoid the subject, but this approach can be harmful. Correct understanding of the disease is crucial for early diagnosis, improving the chances of effective treatment and maintaining an adequate quality of life during the process. Ignoring the subject, on the other hand, favors the spread of misinformation.
That’s why health experts emphasize the importance of not only addressing the issue, but also ensuring that the information shared is accurate and reliable.
According to the Ministry of Health’s definition, cancer is a malignant tumor that causes the disordered growth of cells, which group together and invade tissues and organs, compromising their functioning. Symptoms vary depending on the region affected.
Data from the José Alencar Gomes da Silva National Cancer Institute (Inca) show that the types of the most common disease in Brazil are those with non-melanoma skin, which corresponds to 31.3% of cases; breast cancer, with a percentage of 10.5%; and prostate cancer, with 10.2%.
Numerous actions, such as “Pink October” and “Blue November”, seek to raise awareness among the population and highlight the results of scientific research on the disease, but still, there is a lot of misinformation about the condition. It is common to have doubts about risk factors, diagnosis, treatment and which conditions require surgery.
Correct information is considered a great ally. As the World Health Organization – WHO explains, many deaths could be avoided with prevention methods and early diagnosis. For this reason, knowing what is true and what is false is essential to staying well informed and helping to fight cancer.
Cancer is hereditary
Lie. One of the theories about cancer is that the disease is passed from parent to child. However, as pointed out in the manual “Cancer and its risk factors”, prepared by the Ministry of Health in partnership with Inca, there is no obligation in this relationship, therefore, the statement is incorrect.
Some hereditary characteristics can make people more sensitive to disease-provoking agents. Inca estimates that cancer cases associated with hereditary factors correspond to around 5% to 10% of total diagnoses.
It is advisable to inform the doctor about the existence of cases of the disease in the family so that he can assess the condition according to the particularities of each patient. But it is important to know that cancer is not hereditary.
Every tumor is cancer
Lie. When discovering the existence of a tumor it is normal to be worried, but health authorities emphasize that this does not mean the existence of cancer.
According to the Center for Combating Cancer, the term tumor is used to refer to the increase in volume observed in a part of the body which, when caused by the growth of cells, can be a benign or malignant neoplasm.
Cancers are malignant tumors that develop quickly and uncontrollably. Benign tumors, in turn, grow in an organized and slow manner, not invading tissues and organs.
Alcohol and tobacco can help you develop cancer
True. On cigarette labels and descriptions of some alcoholic drinks, it is common to notice the presence of warnings about consumption and the emergence of cancer. The reality is that these products are risk factors for the disease.
According to the University of São Paulo (USP), the combination of alcohol and cigarettes increases the chance of cancer by 20 times. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) points to smoking as the main risk factor for the condition, causing 22% of deaths from the disease.
Dark-skinned people do not get skin cancer
Lie. There is a big myth about skin cancer, which is the idea that dark-skinned people are not at risk of developing the disease.
However, the Ministry of Health warns that, despite having a higher concentration of melanin, black skin can also be affected by the condition. For this reason, photoprotection is recommended for all skin types, without exception.
Men can also get breast cancer
True. More common in women, breast cancer can also affect men. According to Inca, cases are rarer and represent 1% of total diagnoses, that is, for every 100 cases of the disease, 99 affect women and only one, men.
According to the organization, prostate cancer is the disease that most affects men in Brazil. Among the types of disease common among the male population are cancer of the colon and rectum, lung, stomach and oral cavity.
Breastfeeding protects against breast cancer
True. In addition to being fundamental for the health and development of babies, breastfeeding is an ally against breast cancer for mothers. According to the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics, the risk of developing the disease is 22% lower for women who breastfeed.
Protection increases according to the length of breastfeeding, reaching 26% if the period is at least one year. Likewise, women who breastfeed also have a lower risk of developing endometrial and ovarian cancer.
Cancer can be prevented
True. Most cancers can be prevented by adopting healthy habits. A balanced diet, use of sunscreen, regular physical activity and avoiding the use of tobacco and alcohol can help prevent the disease, according to information from the Cancer Combat Center.
In addition, specific tests to detect the condition are also recommended. The procedures help to identify the emergence of malignant tumors and begin treatment at an early stage of the disease.
As the Ministry of Health points out, mortality from the disease can be reduced if cases are detected and treated early. To this end, the OPA reinforces the importance of awareness and care for one’s own health, seeking clinical evaluation when there are suspicions and availability to carry out the treatments indicated by the medical team.
Cancer has a cure
True. Cancer mortality can be reduced with early diagnosis and treatment at an early stage of the disease, which also increases the patient’s quality of life during the healing process.
According to the manual prepared by the Ministry of Health in partnership with Inca, more than half of cases of the disease are curable when treated early on.