Seven Good News for Cancer Fears
'28.06.2021'
Source: Adme
Perhaps it would not be an exaggeration to say that cancer frightens more than other diseases. People perceive oncology as a death sentence, and the frequent mention in the media of the cancer theme stirs up the growing number of cancerophobia in society. Now many people suffer from the fear of getting cancer and often "find" the symptoms of the disease, even experiencing mild ailment.
В AdMe.ru also faced oncophobia. But we believe that you need to get rid of fears as soon as possible, so we have prepared for you 7 comforting facts about the worst disease in the world. We are not urging you to ignore warning symptoms and medical advice - we just want you to be less panicky.
1. If hair grows from a mole, it is most likely not melanoma.
Many owners of moles are afraid of melanoma. There is good news for them: if hair grows from a mole, then it is most likely benign. The fact is that if the hair could grow, the structure of the skin is not changed. With a malignant formation on the skin, the channels through which hair grows cannot be formed.
However, if on the spot moles hair grew, and then suddenly ceased, then this is not necessarily related to oncology. But with a trip to the doctor is better not to pull.
2. Benign neoplasms in most cases remain so
Almost all benign formations do not turn into malignant ones - with rare exceptions, which are, in particular, intestinal polyps (it is better to remove them, because they can degenerate into cancer). But many neoplasms in the breast, such as fibroadenomas, practically do not become malignant, like ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids.
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3. If you have a painful lump, it is most likely not cancer.
Most malignant tumors do not hurt. Therefore, if you have a painful lump on the skin or under the skin, it is most likely not cancer. But it may well be a dangerous infection that needs to be treated, so you should always consult a doctor.
4. Symptoms that last for years can hardly be cancer
If you cough for years, suffer from a headache or abdominal distension - this is not oncology. If it were cancer, he would have killed you long ago. However, it may be another, albeit less dangerous, but unpleasant disease, so consult your doctor nevertheless.
5. The symptoms that come and go say that the disease is not cancer.
A jumped up, and then a missing lump, a rash that passed a week later, or a discharge that suddenly disappeared, is not cancer. Oncology refers to symptoms that worsen over time. The exception is bowel cancer: it causes diarrhea with blood that can come and go.
6. Cancer is getting younger - it's a myth
It seems that there are more young patients diagnosed with cancer, but this is not the case. In Russia, the average age of the patients in 2007 was 63,5, and in 2017, 64,5. In the US, the average age of a cancer patient is 66 years, with 20 years accounting for about 1% of all diagnoses, and people between 55 years of age are most susceptible to insidious disease - a little less than 80% of oncology cases. Just now, we began to receive more information about cancer patients through the media, social networks and charitable foundations.
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7. 30 – 50% cancer can be prevented
According to the World Health Organization, 30 – 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by just changing the lifestyle to a healthier one. Here are a series of evidence-based tips for defending against oncology:
- Do not smoke.
- Do not allow others to smoke in your home or workplace.
- Control your weight.
- Move more, avoid sedentary lifestyle.
- Eat lots of whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Limit high-calorie foods, sugary drinks, red meat and high-salt foods.
- Give up alcohol or at least limit its use.
- Avoid large amounts of sun and tanning beds.
- Avoid contact with carcinogens at work, follow health and safety guidelines.
- Check the radiation background of the house.
- Vaccinate your children.
For women:
- Breastfeed your baby.
- Limit the use of hormone replacement therapy.
