City expert busts myths around cancer

Cancer is one of the most feared diseases, and with fear often comes misinformation. Busting myths around this disease is essential as early detection, proper treatment, and awareness save lives.

Clear facts empower patients and families to make informed health decisions. Manav Mander talks to Dr Nishant Batta, Head of the Department of Surgical Oncology, Mohandai Oswal Hospital, Ludhiana, who busts popular myths around cancer.

Myth 1: It is always fatal.

Fact: Many people still associate cancer with an inevitable poor outcome, but this is no longer true. With early detection, improved diagnostic tools, and major advances in treatment, many cancers today have excellent survival rates. Breast, thyroid, cervical, prostate, testicular, and early-stage colon cancers are often highly curable. Even advanced cancers can sometimes be controlled for long periods with modern therapies such as immunotherapy and targeted drugs. A cancer diagnosis is serious, but it is not a death sentence.

Myth 2: “Sugar feeds tumours, so you must stop eating it completely.”

Fact: Cancer cells do use sugar (glucose) for energy, but so do all healthy cells. Completely cutting out sugar or carbohydrates is not proven to stop cancer and can weaken the body. Extreme diets can reduce strength and immunity, making it harder to tolerate treatment. A balanced, nutritious diet recommended by your medical team is the safest approach.

Myth 3: Only older people develop malignancies.

Fact: While cancer risk increases with age, it can affect anyone. Lifestyle factors, infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV), genetic mutations, and environmental exposures can lead to cancers even in young adults. Awareness and regular screening are important at all ages.

Myth 4: Cancer is a contagious disease.

Fact: Cancer does not spread through touch, sharing food, hugging, or caring for someone who is ill. Certain viruses like HPV and hepatitis B/C can increase cancer risk, but these are the viruses — not cancer itself — and they are highly preventable through vaccination.

Myth 5: Lifestyle changes alone can cure cancer.

Fact: Healthy habits are important, but once cancer develops, it usually requires medical treatment. Diets, herbal remedies, or “detoxes” cannot replace evidence-based therapies.

Myth 6: Treatment always causes severe side effects.

Fact: Modern treatments are far more targeted, and supportive medicines help control most symptoms. Many patients continue work and daily activities during therapy.