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A BIANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF ASSAM CANCER CARE FOUNDATION A BIANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF ASSAM CANCER CARE FOUNDATION

Cancer

Myths

A Journey from Dusk to Dawn

ancer is one of the most feared diseases
in the world, and this fear is often made
Cworse by myths and misconceptions. False
beliefs can delay diagnosis, increase anxiety and Dr Marami Dutta
prevent people from seeking proper treatment. GDMO
Understanding the facts is essential for prevention Tezpur Cancer Centre
and care.
One common myth is that cancer is always
hereditary. While some cancers are linked to
inherited genetic mutations, most cases arise Myth vs Fact
from a combination of lifestyle, environmental and
genetic factors. A family history may increase risk, MYTH
but it does not guarantee that a person will develop Ê Cancer is always hereditary
cancer. Ê Cancer is contagious
Another misconception is that cancer is Ê Cancer is always a death
contagious. Cancer cannot be transmitted sentence
through physical contact, sharing food or being Ê Alternative therapies alone can
near someone with the disease. It develops from cure cancer
abnormal growth of a person’s own cells. However,
some cancers are associated with infections, such FACTS
as cervical cancer with HPV and stomach cancer Ê Most cancers develop due to a
with Helicobacter pylori. mix of lifestyle, environmental

Many people also believe that a cancer diagnosis and genetic factors
is a death sentence. Advances in medical research, Ê Cancer does not spread through
touch, food sharing or being near
early detection and modern treatment have a patient
significantly improved survival for many cancers, Ê Early detection and modern
including acute leukaemia, some testicular treatment have improved
tumours, retinoblastoma, chronic myeloid outcomes for many cancers
leukaemia (CML) and breast cancer. Ê Supportive practices may help
At Tezpur Cancer Centre, a patient from Sonitpur quality of life, but they should not
replace medical treatment
district was diagnosed with CML in 2018 at the age

16 Hope Begins with Awareness. 17