KATHMANDU: International Conference on Immuno-Oncology has been organized for the first time in Nepal.

On the first day of the conference organized by Nepalese Society of Medical Oncology (NEMSO) at the Durbarmarg-based Pavilion Hall on Friday, participants held an interaction with journalists.

Cancer experts from Nepal, India and other countries are participating in the conference. At the first phase of the program, cancer experts discussed myths and realities about cancer.

The program was live telecasted from Khabarhub and Sagarmatha Television. The two-day conference will conclude on Saturday.

Here is what experts said about myths and truth about cancer.

Dr. Bhola Rauniyar (Senior Medical Oncologist)  

Cancer is curable if it is identified at an initial stage. In Nepal, most of the patients are found to be suffering from kidney, lungs, mouth, breast and intestine cancers. Such cancers are curable if identified at an initial stage.

Dr. Madan Piya (Senior Medical Oncologist)

Heredity can cause cancer in five to ten percent of people. Cancer is also caused due to eating habits. So, it is recommended to go through cancer screening time and again.

Dr. Bishnudatta Poduel (Senior Medical Oncologist)

There is a trend of heating plastic wrapped food items in micro oven mainly in cities. It increases the risk of cancer. It is not that cancer is caused by eating foods wrapped in plastic. But it is better not to eat foods wrapped in plastic.

Dr. Purvish Parikh (Senior Medical Oncologist)

There is no connection between mobile radiation and cancer. Normal use doesn’t harm but excessive use may. I have been involved in treating cancer patients since long. I have not found a cancer patient whose cancer has been cured by drinking cow urine.

Dr. Vineet Talwar (Senior Medical Oncologist)

Cancer happens in four stages. Mostly, chemotherapy is done for cancer patients whose cancer has reached the fourth stage. Cancer should be treated according to the age of the patient.

Dr. Prakash Nidhi Tiwari (Specialist Pediatric Hematology-Oncology)

Cancer in children can be different from that in adults. Damage to chromosome and genes increases risks of cancer in kids. Kids mainly suffer from blood, brain and bone cancers.

Dr. Jaya Shrestha (Senior Medical Oncologist)

Consumption of green tea doesn’t help in curing cancer. Consuming hot beverages more can increase the risk of cancer.

Dr. Bijesh Raj Ghimire (Senior Medical Oncologist)

People are afraid that biopsy or surgery can increase the chances of spreading cancer. But it is not the case in all cancer patients.

Dr. Rajeev Dev (Senior Medical Oncologist)

People with cancer might catch up with an infection from crowded places. But, confining oneself to home is not good.

Dr. Bishesh Paudel (Senior Blood Cancer Specialist)

Blood cancer is not communicable. But, it is only a myth. Blood cancer is curable if treatment is started timely. Cancer can be treated through chemotherapy or bone marrow.

Kabita Maharjan (Dietician)

It is bad to adopt dieting for treating diseases as each food have their own qualities. Consuming seasonal fruits is advisable.