Cancer is such a common yet misunderstood disease. The question of curing cancer has been on the minds of doctors and scientists alike for decades. With it comes many cancer misconceptions. Here, we debunked 7 modern cancer myths for you.
Myth #1: Cancer is a man-made disease designed to profit the pharmaceutical industry
Debunked! In recorded history, cancer was first described in the Edwin Smith Papyrus (3,000 BC) from Egypt. The document described the diagnosis of cancer as well as treatment method by cauterisation; a medical technique of burning an injured part of the body in order to close off wounds or destroy undesired growth.
Cancer was also described as a growth that is malignant, venous and crab-like by the Greek physician Hippocrates (460-370 BC). Unlike what cancer myths suggested, archaeologists even found cancerous growth in the bones of a 240 million-year-old dinosaur fossil that they dug up in Germany. Talk about ancient!
While it seems like cancer is on the rise all around the world today, the biggest risk factor for cancer is actually age. Our lifestyle, diet and other factors such as air pollution have a huge impact on our risk of cancer but that does not mean that it is entirely a modern, man-made disease.
We now simply live long enough to develop cancer, since most of us in developed countries can combat infectious diseases and other causes of death such as malnutrition. As we age, the DNA damage in our cells build, and such damage can lead to the development of cancer.
Myth #2: Acidic food like meat, dairy and grains cause cancer
Debunked! Blood is naturally slightly alkaline (pH 7.35-7.45). This acidity is maintained by the kidneys and nothing you eat can change the pH level of the blood. In fact, a change in blood pH level is a medical emergency called acidosis which causes confusion, drowsiness and shortness of breath.
#TiqOurWord Fruits and vegetables like lemons, grapes, mushrooms, blueberries and pomegranates are acidic, too. But they contain high antioxidants to fend off cancer and are generally good for health.
Myth #3: Superfoods prevent cancer
Debunked! There is no such thing as ‘superfood’. It is a marketing term used to sell products and have no scientific basis . No need to waste a lot of money on expensive ‘superfoods’ with funny and difficult-to-pronounce names such as acai berries, chia seeds, quinoa, kohlrabi, arugula and so on.
A healthy lifestyle with a diet high in fruits and vegetables, regular exercise, adequate sleep, will help to strengthen your immunity system and is the best way to reduce your risk of cancer! Of course, alcohol consumption should be moderate and no smoking.
#TiqOurWord If you are budget-conscious, Tiq’s all-in-one insurance savings plan, GIGANTIQ offers an affordable Major Cancer add-on protection, which enables one to save as they protect. Check it out here if you’re an existing GIGANTIQ user.
Myth #4: Microwaving food in plastic containers releases harmful cancer-causing substances
Debunked! Plastic containers and wraps labelled as safe for use in the microwave don’t pose a threat to your health. There are reports showing that microwaved plastic releases cancer-causing chemicals called dioxins into food.
But wait, plastics on its own doesn’t contain dioxins. Dioxins are only created when rubbish, plastics, metals, wood and other materials are burned. You won’t be exposing yourself to these harmful dioxins as long as you don’t burn your food in the microwave!
#TiqOurWord Only microwave plastic containers that are labelled microwave-safe or if you are in doubt, try to avoid it by transferring your food into a glass or ceramic bowl (those which are safe to use in the microwave, of course!) before heating it in the microwave oven.
Myth #5: Chemotherapy is painful and detrimental to the body
Debunked! First of all, we need to be honest with you: No medical treatment, surgery or medication are easy or comfortable. But over the past decade, the survival rate of cancer patients who seek treatment in Singapore has gone up from 13% to 48% for men, and from 28% to 57% for women.
Furthermore, the side effects of chemotherapy can be managed through medication and palliative care. Ease your worries on medical expenses and focus on recovery with Tiq Cancer Insurance. Get full payout for all cancer stages, even early stage.
Myth #6: Smartphones give off radiation that can cause cancer
Debunked! Radiation does cause damages to our DNA, which might lead to cancerous growth in the body. However, our electronic gadgets give off around 450 to 3,800 megahertz of radiation.
This is too minute to cause cancer. But prolonged exposure from X-rays (30 petahertz to 30 exahertz) and gamma rays (more than 1019 hertz), such as those from nuclear power plants, CT scans, and radon from farmhouses, can indeed cause cancer due to their high amount of radiation but not as the cancer myths suggested.
Myth #7: There is no cure for cancer
TRUE! There is no specific cure for cancer. But cancer can be treated. We repeat – cancer can be treated! Cancer is an abnormal growth of the cells due to the malfunctioning of DNA. That does not equate a death sentence.
In theory, if we remove those malfunctioning cells, the body will revert back to normal. This can be done through surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and many other methods. That is why early stage detection can save almost 100% of all patients.
Can you handle the truth?
People of all ages, from all walks of life, are at risk of cancer. But some more than others. National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) estimated that 1 in every 5 Singaporeans will develop cancer in their lifetime.
While treatment is available and early detection is proven to save life, the price of cancer treatment is not cheap. It can reach up to S$17,000 per month and last up to 6 months. So get yourself covered for up to S$200,000 with Tiq Cancer Insurance now.
Let’s prevent, treat and get rid of cancer till the notion of it being incurable become one of cancer myths.
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GIGANTIQ is not a bank account or a fixed deposit. It is an insurance savings plan that earns a crediting interest rate.
Information is accurate as at 6 April 2021. This policy is underwritten by Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd. (Company Reg. No. 201331905K. Protected up to specified limits by SDIC. As buying a life insurance policy is a long-term commitment, an early termination of the policy usually involves high costs and the surrender value, if any, that is payable to you may be zero or less than the total premiums paid. You should seek advice from a financial adviser before deciding to purchase the policy. If you choose not to seek advice, you should consider if the policy is suitable for you. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
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