Due to its nature, many people have thoughts about cancer that just aren’t factual. Believing such myths can be dangerous because they can stop individuals from visiting a doctor, noticing the early signs of cancer, or getting tested. This is why it is vital to stay in the know with reliable resources.
Fortunately, a wealth of good information is available, but locating it can be challenging. This post aims to make life easier by debunking common cancer myths and providing facts. Below, you will learn about four myths and the facts that oppose them.
Myth 1: Ovarian Cancer Has Clear Early Symptoms
Fact: Subtle signs of ovarian cancer are often missed, so knowing what to watch for is crucial.
A lot of people think ovarian cancer comes with obvious warning signs, but this just isn’t true. The symptoms of this disease can be mild and feel like everyday issues. These signs could include:
- Belly or lower back pain
- Bloating
- Feeling full quickly when eating
- Needing to pee more often
As these symptoms can resemble normal bladder or stomach problems, many people may ignore or accept them as normal. Unfortunately, this can delay finding the cancer until it has progressed and become more serious.
One rare type of ovarian cancer that women should be knowledgeable of is called Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer (LGSOC). This form tends to grow slowly, but it is usually found late because the early signs are so subtle. That is why September 9th is recognized as LGSOC Day, which highlights this lesser-known cancer and raises awareness of its symptoms.
If these symptoms occur often and do not go away, it is a good idea to speak with a doctor, especially if they last for a couple of weeks. Paying attention to any minor changes that happen in your body can help you catch ovarian cancer early on.
Myth 2: Men Don’t Need to Worry About Breast Cancer
Fact: Breast cancer does affect men, too; although it is rare, it is often diagnosed late.
Most people believe breast cancer is only a risk to women. While it is much more common in women, men can also get breast cancer. This condition typically occurs in men over 60, but it can develop at any age. In fact, roughly 2,800 men are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025, and 510 will die from this disease.
Men tend to ignore the warning signs, such as an inverted nipple, a lump in the chest or armpit area, nipple discharge that might contain blood, and skin changes near the nipple.
Although men are more likely to avoid going to the doctor, this is not something you can put off. If you are a man and notice anything unusual in your chest area, then you mustn’t wait. You should speak to your doctor as soon as possible, and it could be helpful to know your family medical history to determine your risk.
Myth 3: Only Smokers Get Lung Cancer
Fact: Environmental and genetic factors also play a significant role in the development of lung cancer.
Smoking is the most significant cause of lung cancer, but it definitely isn’t the only one. There have been people who have never smoked before who have been diagnosed with lung cancer. This might be due to air pollution, breathing in secondhand smoke, exposure to radon gas, or a family history of lung cancer.
Some individuals will think that they can’t get lung cancer because they’ve never smoked a cigarette, which causes them to ignore the signs. Signs like chest pain, a cough that won’t go away, or trouble breathing should never be ignored.
Simply put, anyone can get lung cancer. If you have symptoms that last for weeks, or you have been around harmful chemicals or smoke, then you must see a doctor. Diagnosing lung cancer early can make a big difference.
Myth 4: You Don’t Need Cancer Screenings If You Feel Fine
Fact: Many cancers can develop silently, and routine screenings are needed to catch them early.
There are people who believe that if they feel healthy, they don’t need to worry about cancer, so they forgo cancer tests. However, many cancers don’t cause pain or problems in the early stages. This means you might feel absolutely fine, but you could still have cancer growing in your body.
That’s why cancer screenings, such as colonoscopies, lung scans, mammograms, and pap tests, are so important. These tests can help to find cancer early, even before you notice anything wrong. You do not have to wait for symptoms to develop. If you are the right age or have a family history of cancer, you need to talk to your doctor about regular check-ups.
To conclude, there is a lot of wrong information available about cancer. By believing these myths, you could experience late diagnosis, missed treatment, or serious health issues. That is why you must stay informed, and the information in this post can help you do just that.
