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| - Last Updated on June 25, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media video claims that emotional distress can cause throat cancer. The video suggests stress causes cancer. We did the fact check to term it as Mostly False.
The Claim
According to an Instagram video, holding up emotions inside can affect the throat chakra causing throat cancer. The video further says rotating a lapis lazuli crystal can help open the throat chakra.
Fact Check
What is throat cancer?
Throat cancer refers to cancers that develop in the throat (pharynx), voice box (larynx), or tonsils. It generally originates in the cells lining the throat. The most common types are squamous cell carcinomas, which affect the flat cells lining the throat.
What is throat chakra?
In alternative medicine and spirituality, chakras are energy centres within the body. The throat chakra, or Vishuddha, is the fifth chakra, believed to be located at the throat. It is supposedly associated with communication, self-expression, and truth.
Can emotional distress cause throat cancer?
No, not really. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that emotional distress causes throat cancer or stress causes cancer. Cancer, including throat cancer, primarily results from genetic mutations that lead to uncontrolled cell growth. These mutations can arise due to various factors, such as tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and exposure to certain chemicals. Emotional distress, while impactful on overall health, does not directly cause the genetic mutations that result in cancer.
Can negative emotions cause cancer?
No, not exactly. Chronic emotional distress and negative emotions can weaken the immune system and affect overall well-being. But, they do not directly cause cancer. Cancer is fundamentally a disease of cellular mutations and genetic alterations. And, claiming stress causes cancer is extremely vague. According to the National Cancer Institute, there exists no direct causal link between negative emotions and cancer. It is important to manage stress and maintain mental health for overall well-being, but attributing cancer to negative emotions alone is misleading and lacks scientific basis.
What does an oncologist say?
Dr Pooja Khullar, a Radiation Oncologist, at Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, New Delhi, shares her valuable insights with us. She says, “Although stress can impact overall health and weaken the immune system, there is no direct link between stress and cancer. Effective cancer prevention strategies include reducing known risk factors such as smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, getting vaccine shots against HPV, and maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle.”
Dr Rakesh Kumar Sharma, a Medical Oncologist, at Max Healthcare, Saket, New Delhi, shares his expertise, “Throat cancer is caused by tobacco use in any form, this has been proven by various studies. Emotional distress is a consequence of neuro-psychological disorders. These disorders are due to imbalance of neurotransmitters. If we are holding our thoughts, they are held in our brain not in our throat or thyroid gland. As of today there is no scientific evidence to prove the association of emotional distress and throat or thyroid cancer.”
What are the possible causes of throat cancer?
Several well-established risk factors significantly contribute to the development of throat cancer:
- Tobacco Use: Smoking and chewing tobacco significantly increase the risk.
- Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol use is a major risk factor.
- HPV Infection: Certain strains of HPV can cause throat cancer.
- Poor Diet: A diet lacking in fruits and vegetables may increase risk.
- Age and Gender: Throat cancer is more common in older adults and men.
- Exposure to Asbestos and Other Chemicals: Occupational exposure can increase risk.
Can throat cancer be cured?
Yes, throat cancer is curable, especially if detected early. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. The prognosis (the course of a disease/outcome of a disease) depends on the cancer stage, location, and overall health of the patient. Early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment.
What is lapis lazuli?
Lapis lazuli is a deep-blue metamorphic rock used as a semi-precious stone. It is popular for its intense colour and historical significance in art and jewellery. In various alternative medicine practices, lapis lazuli is believed to have healing properties. And, it is associated with the throat chakra, allegedly helping in communication and expression.
Is lapis good for the throat chakra?
In the context of alternative therapies, lapis lazuli supposedly balances and opens the throat chakra. Thus, promoting self-expression and communication. However, these claims are not supported by scientific evidence. The use of crystals like lapis lazuli is based on traditional beliefs and should be seen as a complementary practice rather than a medical treatment.
Conclusion
The claim that emotional stress causes cancer in the throat is mostly false. Throat cancer is mainly due to genetic mutations influenced by factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and HPV infection. While managing stress and emotions is important for overall health, there is no scientific evidence that says stress causes cancer. Practices involving lapis lazuli and throat chakra are rooted in alternative medicine and lack empirical support. For accurate information on cancer prevention and treatment, consulting medical professionals and evidence-based resources is essential. Never rely on hypothetical claims on social media to make your healthcare decisions. You should always be cautious of trusting random social media influencers, who are not professionals, telling you to self medicate or treat. There is widespread misinformation on social media platforms, especially regarding health, and believing those can be harmful for your health.
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