Archive · 7 Sep 2026
Cancer surgeon challenges four common myths about biopsy, sugar, treatment
Some people believe that a biopsy makes cancer spread, but doctors say this is not true in almost every case.
A biopsy is used to confirm what illness a person has and help doctors choose treatment.
Cancer also cannot spread by touching, hugging, sharing food, or using the same utensils.
Cancer cells use sugar for energy, but healthy cells need energy from sugar too.
Completely avoiding sugar can make some patients weak or poorly nourished.
Doctors recommend a balanced diet and limiting sugary drinks and processed sweets.
Stage 4 cancer is serious, but it does not always mean that treatment must stop.
Treatments can sometimes slow the cancer and help control pain or other symptoms.
Patients should discuss their individual choices and expectations with their healthcare team.
Dr Jayesh Sharma said biopsies do not cause cancer to spread.
Cancer does not spread through touch, hugging, shared utensils, or living together.
Dr Sharma and Dr Deepak Jha said cancer patients do not need to completely avoid sugar, though balanced nutrition is important.
Stage 4 cancer does not automatically mean treatment is futile or that death is imminent.
Dr Jha said treatment for advanced cancer may slow disease, control symptoms, reduce pain, and improve quality of life.
- Who
- Cancer surgeon Dr Jayesh Sharma and surgical oncologist Dr Deepak Jha discussed common cancer misconceptions.
- What
- They addressed myths about biopsy-related spread, cancer transmission through contact, sugar consumption, and stage 4 treatment.
- When
- Dr Sharma discussed the claims in an Instagram video; the article does not give a specific date.
- Where
- The comments were shared on Instagram and reported by The Indian Express.
- Why
- The doctors said correcting misinformation can reduce fear, support timely diagnosis, and help patients receive appropriate care.
Common myths and claims
Medical evidence and guidance
Biopsy and cancer spread
Common myths and claims
The claim says that taking a biopsy can cause cancer to spread.
Medical evidence and guidance
Dr Sharma said cancer does not spread from biopsy, and Dr Jha said scientific evidence supports biopsy safety in almost every case.
Cancer and physical contact
Common myths and claims
The myth treats cancer as a disease that can spread through touch, shared utensils, or close living arrangements.
Medical evidence and guidance
The doctors said cancer is not transmitted by touching, hugging, eating together, sharing utensils, or living with someone who has cancer.
Sugar restriction
Common myths and claims
The claim says cancer patients should stop consuming sugar to starve cancer cells.
Medical evidence and guidance
Dr Jha said both cancerous and healthy cells use glucose, and strict restriction can worsen nutrition; he recommended a balanced diet while limiting sugary drinks and processed sweets.
Meaning of stage 4
Common myths and claims
The belief is that stage 4 means the end of life and that treatment is unnecessary.
Medical evidence and guidance
Dr Sharma and Dr Jha said some patients live for many years and may receive treatment to control the cancer, manage symptoms, and preserve quality of life.
- Biopsy
- Scientific evidence shows biopsies do not cause cancer spread in almost every case, according to Dr Jha.
- Contact
- Cancer does not spread through touching, hugging, eating together, sharing utensils, or living with a patient.
- Sugar
- Cancer patients do not need to completely avoid sugar; strict restriction may contribute to weakness, weight loss, and poor nutrition.
- Recommended diet
- Dr Jha advised balanced foods including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats.
- Stage 4 cancer
- Advanced cancer may still be treated with approaches including targeted therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiation, and supportive care.
- Treatment goals
- Care may aim to slow cancer growth, control symptoms and pain, and help patients remain active longer.