Bengaluru: “We are born with cancer cells in our body. It is a myth that we acquire cancer as we grow older,” said Mr Suresh Ramu, CEO, Cytecare Cancer Hospitals, on Saturday.
Dr Raghavendra, taking part in a discussion on “What You Wish You Knew About the Big C. Break Cancer Myths!”, organised by Samsara Living at the Bangalore International Centre, said it is not true that cancer is passed on genetically. “Just because someone in the family has cancer, it does not essentially mean you will get it. Unless of course the cancer genes are extremely strong and deep rooted," he said.
Mr Ramu said that one of the most common types of cancer among women, the breast cancer, is not fatal and incurable if treated at an early stage. “About 98 per cent of breast cancer cases detected at the first stage can be cured completely and in the fourth stage, chances of survival come down to 25 per cent,” he said.
Dr Udaya Maiya, Medical Director, Portea Medical, debunked the myth that ayurveda is the ultimate natural cure for cancer. “It is common belief that turmeric helps in curing cancer and that natural remedies are better. Though ayurveda is beneficial, it is not a proven cure," he said.
He explained that radiation therapy can be made less harmful through minimal dosage. On the expensive versus cheaper drugs, he said, “It costs a lot for pharmaceutical companies to manufacture the tablets. Though some tablets may come with the similar composition, they do not work effectively.”
Ms Renuka Menon, who is a stage three cancer survivor and a senior professional in the field of sales and hospitality, shared her experience of going through the illness.
