If one intends to acquire information on breast cancer, just doing a quick search on the Internet can provide one with a plethora of informational sources. However, it is essential to distinguish the reliable ones from the ones that list certain myths about this disease. In the following, some of the common myths about breast cancer have been debunked. This aims to provide one with reliable information about this disease. Myth: Breast cancer can be genetically passed on. Fact: The truth is that only a small percentage of breast cancer is believed to be hereditary, i.e., caused by the passing of anomalous DNAs from a parent to a child. Environmental factors as well as a person’s lifestyle have a huge impact on the occurrence of breast cancer. Therefore, not all cases could be hereditary. Myth:  There is nothing one can do to reduce the likelihood of developing breast cancer. Fact:  The lifestyle of a person has a significant impact on breast cancer. Therefore, maintaining healthy body weight, exercising regularly, and decreasing one’s alcohol intake can lessen one’s chances of developing this disease. Myth:  Antiperspirant deodorants can cause breast cancer. Fact:  This is a myth that is not backed by any scientific evidence and research data does not show any link between deodorant use and the risk of developing breast cancer.

Colon cancer is the cancer of the large intestine, which is the final part of the digestive tract. It begins as small, benign clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps. Over a period of time, they could turn into cancerous cells and cause colon cancer. Polyps may be small. This is the reason why most doctors recommend several screening tests to help prevent this cancer by identifying and removing polyps, in the beginning stage, i.e, before they turn into cancer. Signs of colon cancer It is generally seen that most people do not experience any symptoms in the early stages of this disease. Most symptoms often appear after cancer has grown or spread. Some symptoms and signs of colon cancer include: Changes in the bowel habits of a person, which also include diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool, which has lasted longer than four weeks. One of the signs includes rectal bleeding or blood in the stool. Continuous discomfort in the abdomen, such as cramps, acidity, gas or pain. A slight feeling that your bowel does not empty completely. Weakness and fatigue. Weight loss Dark stools When symptoms appear, they are most likely to vary depending on the size of cancer and its location in the large intestine.

Thyroid cancer develops when the abnormal cells begin to multiply in the thyroid and form tumor after increasing in numbers. This particular type of cancer happens with the change or mutation of cells. Thyroid cancer is considered as the most common type of endocrine cancer these days. If diagnosed at the right time, this is the most curable form of cancer, even in its advanced stage. Women are more prone to thyroid cancer as compared to men, as they tend to develop it in their 40s and 50s whereas men are usually prone to it in their 60s and 70s. With the advancement and development in this field, effective treatments have come up which help in treating thyroid cancer and ensuring full recovery of the patient. Types of thyroid cancer As per research, thyroid cancer has been divided into four types namely papillary thyroid cancer (80% of thyroid cancer comes under this category), follicular thyroid cancer, medullary thyroid cancer, and anaplastic thyroid cancer. Papillary thyroid cancer grows slowly but often spreads to the lymph nodes in the neck. Follicular thyroid cancer spreads in the lymph nodes and gradually spreads in the blood vessels. Medullary thyroid cancer can be detected at an early stage.

The pancreas is located in the abdomen, behind the stomach and in front of the spine. The exocrine cells of the pancreas produce digestive juices to help in digestion and the endocrine cells produce hormones that regulate blood sugar. Any growth in the individual cells in the tissues of the pancreas that takes place in an abnormal or uncontrolled way, it can lead to pancreatic cancer. Most pancreatic cancers originate from exocrine cells, whereas the least common endocrine cancer originates from acinar cells. Risk factors related to pancreatic cancer The exact reason that causes pancreatic cancer has not been identified. However, certain risk factors have been identified that increases the likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer than the general population. Genetics It has been reported that almost ten percent of people who suffer from pancreatic cancer have an immediate family member suffering from the same disease. Pancreatic cysts and chronic pancreatitis Patients suffering from these diseases are likely to develop pancreatic cancer. Obesity A study shows that pancreatic cancer is commonly found in obese people or those who have never indulged in physical activities. Low level of lycopene and selenium Some studies show that patients with pancreatic cancer have low levels of these nutrients.