Oncology FAQ's
Cancer is a disease where cells in the body grow uncontrollably and form tumors. It occurs due to genetic mutations in the cells that allow them to multiply abnormally and avoid natural cell death.
Some cancers (e.g., breast, ovarian, colon) have a hereditary component, but most cancers occur due to environmental factors or random mutations. Genetic testing can assess your family’s risk.
Cancer can result from a combination of factors like genetics, smoking, diet, infections, or environmental exposures. Prevention isn’t always possible, but healthy lifestyle choices can reduce risks.
Many cancers are curable, especially when detected early. Survival depends on the type, stage, and individual response to treatment. Your doctor will discuss personalized outcomes.
Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. The choice depends on the type and stage of cancer.
Surgery depends on the type and stage of cancer. Some surgeries are minimally invasive (laparoscopic), while others may require open surgery. Your doctor will decide based on your case.
Treatment duration varies. Surgery may involve a few weeks, while chemotherapy and radiation can last months. Your oncologist will outline a detailed plan.
Most health insurance policies cover cancer treatment. Government schemes like Ayushman Bharat (India) or private insurance can help. Verify coverage with your provider.
It’s best to seek treatment at specialized cancer centers or hospitals with a multidisciplinary oncology team. Your oncologist can recommend a center near you.
This depends on your type of treatment and side effects. Many patients can work part-time or adjust their schedules. Speak with your employer about flexibility.
Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and protein. Avoid alcohol, smoking, and processed foods. Stay hydrated and consult a dietitian if needed.
Hair loss is a common side effect of some chemotherapy drugs. Hair usually grows back a few months after treatment ends. Cooling caps can help reduce hair loss.
Light to moderate exercise (e.g., walking, yoga) is encouraged unless contraindicated. Travel may be possible, but consult your doctor, especially during chemotherapy cycles.
Seek support from family, friends, or cancer support groups. Many hospitals provide counseling services. Meditation and mindfulness can also help reduce stress.
Look for patient advocacy groups, counseling services, and NGOs offering financial, emotional, and logistical support. Online communities can also provide helpful resources.
Be honest and use age-appropriate language. Assure them that treatment is ongoing and that you are doing everything to get better. A counselor can guide these conversations.
Common myths about cancer
Truth:
Cancer is not always a death sentence. Advances in early detection, treatment, and supportive care have significantly improved survival rates. Many cancers, such as breast, prostate, and thyroid cancer, have high survival rates when diagnosed early.
Truth:
Cancer is not contagious and cannot spread from one person to another through touch, sharing food, or close contact. However, certain infections like HPV and Hepatitis B/C, which can be transmitted, may increase cancer risk.
Truth:
While cancer cells consume more glucose than normal cells, there is no direct evidence that eating sugar worsens cancer. A healthy, balanced diet is crucial during treatment, and cutting out sugar entirely is unnecessary unless advised by a doctor.
Truth:
There is no conclusive evidence linking the use of smartphones or microwaves to cancer. These devices emit low-frequency radiation, which is not strong enough to damage DNA or cause cancer.
Truth:
Only about 5-10% of cancers are hereditary, caused by genetic mutations passed down in families. Most cancers are caused by lifestyle factors, environmental exposures, or random genetic mutations.
Truth:
While treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can have side effects, they are life-saving for many patients. Advancements in supportive care have made it possible to manage side effects effectively, improving the quality of life during treatment.
Truth:
Surgery does not cause cancer to spread. In fact, surgery is a critical treatment for many cancers and often provides the best chance for a cure. Any spread is usually due to the natural progression of the disease, not the surgery itself.
Truth:
While smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, non-smokers can also develop it due to factors like air pollution, secondhand smoke, radon exposure, and genetic predisposition.
Truth:
Not all chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss. It depends on the specific type and dose of the drug. Some patients may only experience thinning, while others lose their hair entirely. Cooling caps can sometimes help minimize hair loss.
Truth:
While a positive mindset can improve quality of life and help patients cope better with treatment, it does not cure cancer. Cancer requires medical intervention, including surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, for effective management.