National Cancer Survivors Day, being observed on June 7 this year, is a time to celebrate the resilience, courage, and determination of millions of cancer survivors around the world. It is also an opportunity to raise awareness about cancer, encourage early detection, and address the misconceptions that continue to surround the disease.
Despite significant advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment, myths and misinformation remain widespread, often creating unnecessary fear, stigma, and confusion for patients and their families. For instance, Blood cancerscontinue to be among the least understood forms of the disease. Misconceptions such as cancer being an automatic death sentence, a condition that affects only children, or even a contagious illness persist, overshadowing the remarkable progress made in improving survival rates and quality of life for many patients.
Cancer is emerging as a major public health challenge, with over 100,000 new blood cancer cases diagnosed annually in India. According to GLOBOCAN 2022 data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), blood cancers accounted for roughly 6.6% of all new cancer diagnoses and 7.2% of cancer-related deaths globally. Some of the common types of blood cancers are Lymphoma, Leukemia, and Multiple Myeloma. While people should be made aware of these types and their symptoms, treatments, etc., there exists a lack of awareness, and deeply rooted myths often lead people to ignore early warning signs, delay seeking medical attention, or make decisions based on fear rather than facts. Such delays can impact treatment outcomes and create additional challenges for healthcare professionals striving to provide timely and effective care.
Thus, it is important to separate fact from fiction and foster a better understanding of cancer and its treatment. Debunking common myths not only empowers patients and caregivers to make informed decisions but also helps reduce stigma and instill hope. Here are some of the most common misconceptions about cancer and its treatment, and the facts that every patient, caregiver, and family should know.
- Myth: Only external drugs can fight cancer effectively.
Fact: Your blood can become your medicine.CAR T-cell therapy transforms your own blood cells into a “living drug” that stays in your body for years, ready to find and destroy cancer cells if they return.
- Myth: If chemotherapy fails, there are no other options.
Fact: CAR T-cell therapy offers renewed hope when all else fails. For adults with relapsed or refractory B-cell Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL), CAR T can be a life-saving option, even when standard treatments no longer work.
- Myth: CAR T therapy weakens your immune system.
Fact: It strengthens and trains your immunity.CAR T-cell therapy doesn’t suppress immunity; it empowers it. Your immune cells are re-engineered to fight cancer smarter, with more precision.
- Myth: CAR T-cell therapy is just like any other drug.
Fact: It’s a living, personalised treatment built just for you. CAR T isn’t mass-produced. It’s created uniquely from your own immune cells, custom-built to seek and destroy cancer cells in your body.
- Myth: CAR T-cell therapy should only be considered after a patient experiences a relapse.
Fact: CAR T-cell therapy was initially used only after other treatments failed. However, clinical evidence now supports the use of CAR T-cell therapy in patients who may not respond well to standard treatments. Early referral can lead to better planning, timely treatment, and potentially improved outcomes. It’s important to consult a specialist to assess suitability at the right stage of the disease.
- Myth: CAR T-cell therapy inevitably leads to severe side effects.
Fact: Like many advanced treatments, CAR T-cell therapy can cause side effects, but not everyone experiences them in the same way. Common side effects include fever, fatigue, and low blood pressure, but these are usually temporary and can be managed with medical support. Serious side effects, such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) or neurological symptoms, are closely monitored and treated promptly. Patients are cared for by highly trained teams to minimise risk and ensure safety throughout the process
- Myth: Bone marrow transplants are always necessary for blood cancers.
Fact: While bone marrow, also called as stem cell transplantation, remains a cornerstone in hematologic care, CAR T cell therapy offers a novel option for select patients with relapsed or refractory disease, especially those ineligible or unresponsive to transplant.
This complementary approach expands the therapeutic armamentarium without replacing existing standards
- Myth: Bone marrow transplant is the only cure needed for patients with leukemia
Fact: A bone marrow transplant can be a life-saving treatment for certain types of leukemia, but it is not suitable for every patient. The success of the transplant depends on factors such as the type of leukemia, the patient’s age, overall health, stage of disease, and availability of a matched donor. Some patients may respond better to other treatments like chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or CAR T-cell therapy. Treatment plans are highly personalised and often involve a combination of therapies for the best outcome.
It is important to consult a qualified hematologist or oncologist and ask the right questions. By dispelling the common myths about blood cancer and clearing the facts about the disease and its treatment, patients and their families can make an informed decision and seek timely care. Blood cancers are often treatable, and the chances of survival become high when it is diagnosed in their initial stages, followed by the right treatment choices.
- Myth: Advanced cancer treatments are out of reach in India.
Fact: India is becoming a global hub for CAR T therapy. With India’s first global CAR T-cell therapy, cutting-edge, accessible cancer care is no longer a distant dream; it’s here, and it’s making a difference.
- Myth: Radiation from scans increases the risk of developing cancer.
Fact: Medical scans like X-rays, CT scans, and mammograms use controlled amounts of radiation that are considered very safe. The risk of developing cancer from these scans is extremely low and is far outweighed by the benefits of early detection and accurate diagnosis. Doctors only recommend scans when they are medically necessary, and strict guidelines are followed to keep radiation exposure to a minimum.
- Myth: Any unusual lump or tissue growth automatically means cancer.
Fact: Many lumps and growths in the body are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. These can include cysts, lipomas (fatty lumps), and fibroids. However, it’s not always possible to tell just by touch or appearance, so it’s important to have any new or persistent lumps examined by a healthcare professional. Early assessment can rule out serious conditions and ensure timely treatment if needed.
- Myth: You’re safe from cancer if it doesn’t run in your family.
Fact: Most people diagnosed with cancer have no family history of the disease. While genetics can play a role in some cases, lifestyle choices, age, infections, and environmental exposures are often more significant contributors. This means everyone should be aware of the symptoms and go for recommended screenings, regardless of family history.
- Myth: Eating superfoods can prevent or cure cancer
Fact: No single food or ingredient can prevent or cure cancer. While foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients, sometimes called “superfoods,” can support overall health, they are not a magic shield against cancer. A well-balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and going for regular health checks all play a much bigger role in lowering cancer risk. Cancer is a complex disease influenced by many factors beyond diet.
Authored article by Dr Neera Gupta, MD- Head Clinical Development & Medical Affairs, Immuneel Therapeutics
