When you are told that an older family member has cancer, several things may immediately spring to mind. But, how much of what you think about cancer is true? There are a lot of myths out there about cancer that many people believe and they just don’t seem to go away. Below are 4 popular myths about cancer and the truths that you need to know.
Myth #1: People who get cancer always die from it.
Truth: That may have been true at one time, but not today. In fact, the chances of dying from cancer have steadily declined since about 1990 due to advances in detection and treatment. Today, the 5-year survival rate for all types of cancer is at around 67 percent. Survival from certain cancers, including breast and prostate cancer, is an encouraging 90 percent.
Myth #2: If it’s your parent that has been diagnosed with cancer, you’re going to get it too.
Truth: There is a genetic component to certain kinds of cancer, but that doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to get cancer because your parent has it. Even in kinds of cancer that can be genetic, like breast cancer or colorectal cancer, having a parent with the disease is only a risk factor, which means it increases your chances of getting cancer, not that you definitely will.
Myth #3: People with cancer shouldn’t eat sugar because it helps the tumor grow.
Truth: This myth probably comes from research that shows cancer cells use more sugar than healthy cells do. However, there is no evidence that suggests eating sugar will make cancer worse. In addition, cancer will not go away because the person stops eating sugar.
Myth #4: People who are good never get cancer.
Truth: A long time ago, people though that getting sick was a punishment for something bad the person had done. Therefore, if a person was good, they would never get an illness like cancer. That belief still exists in certain cultures. However, if that were true, why would children and babies get cancer? There is no scientific evidence that connects cancer to amoral behaviors.
If your aging relative has been diagnosed with cancer, home care can be a true asset to both the older adult and to family caregivers. Home care can step in to assist with the extra things that need to be done during treatment, such as offering transportation to medical appointments so that family members don’t have to leave work to drive the senior. Home care providers can also stay with the older adult after treatment to make sure they are comfortable and to assist with any side effects. While there, the home care provider can also prepare meals, clean up the house, or help with basic pet care, like taking the dog outside or feeding the cat.
Sources
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/myths
https://www.verywellhealth.com/top-cancer-myths-513784
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/in-depth/cancer-causes/art-20044714
If you or an aging loved one is considering homecare in Aurora, CO, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare Denver. Call today: (303) 756-9322.
