Three myths about cancer

Experts from the cancer center of the Houston Methodist Clinic refute popular misconceptions about malignant tumors and their spread through the body.

Can a biopsy provoke the development of metastases?For many years, rumors have been circulating on the Internet linking puncture biopsies with the spread of cancer throughout the body.

In reality, there is no evidence that a puncture biopsy, or needle biopsy, a procedure used to diagnose many types of cancer, can contribute to the metastasis of malignant cells.

According to oncologist Eric Bernicker, puncture biopsies of early tumor foci in the mammary gland, thyroid gland or lung make it possible to diagnose cancer before it began to spread through the body. This procedure helps the doctor to determine whether the patient has a malignant neoplasm and prescribe the optimal course of treatment.

In most cases, surgeons can remove a small fragment of the tumor without harm to the patient using a thin needle. The exceptions are tumors of the eye and seminal glands, which require blood tests, the use of imaging techniques or the removal of the entire tumor.

The cause of tumor metastasis is not the mechanical action of the needle, but the acquisition by malignant cells of the ability to be released from the local structure of the tumor and enter the bloodstream.

Cancer and massageThe research results continue to refute the myth that massage promotes the spread of cancer cells through the lymphatic vessel system.

The research results also indicate that the increased blood flow caused by massage does not exceed the increased blood flow that occurs during exercise or during normal physical exertion.

Many cancer centers offer therapeutic massage as a form of therapy aimed at reducing the severity of symptoms associated with chemotherapy and improving the patient's quality of life. Trigger point therapy is recommended to suppress nausea, which is a side effect of chemotherapy. The massage effect of moderate strength helps to reduce pain, muscle tension and psychological stress.

Massage therapist-physiotherapist Norma Reyna notes that it is very important to discuss possible options with your doctor before starting a course of therapeutic massage. It is also necessary to take precautions, which include:

• individual selection of the intensity of exposure in order to avoid bruising and painful sensations;
• checking for the absence of undesirable reactions to massage lotions and oils in the patient;
• rejection of aggressive forms of therapeutic massage during antitumor therapy, including deep tissue massage and sports massage.

Is sugar a food for cancer?Sugar does not contribute to the spread of cancer.

However, eating a large amount of sugar, especially in the composition of flour products, can contribute to the appearance of excess body weight. This, in turn, can eventually develop into obesity, which is a risk factor for the development of certain types of cancer. Sugar is a natural compound that is part of food and supplies energy to all cells of our body.

According to nutritionist Renee Stubbins, the average American consumes more than 60 kilograms of sugar per year, which corresponds to about 500 calories per day. At the same time, the main aspect of any healthy balanced diet is its moderation.

Natural sugars, which are part of fruits, vegetables and cereals, are necessary to maintain muscle mass and total body weight during antitumor therapy. Their positive role in the fight against cancer has also been demonstrated. The rejection of refined sugars, which are part of pastries and other desserts, and the use of fruits contributes to the preservation of normal body weight and prevents the development of a number of diseases.

Evgeniya Ryabtseva
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of the Houston Methodist:
Debunking myths about how cancer spreads.

29.10.2013