The aim of this year’s World Cancer Day is to debunk four of the most common cancer myths to help save millions of preventable deaths every year.
The world is working today to raise awareness about cancer, to press both governments and individuals to take action against the disease and to dispel the cancer misconceptions a frightening number of us believe in.
The most stubborn cancer myths explored and shared this year were:
Myth: Cancer is my fate
Truth: With the right strategies, at least 30 per cent of cancer cases can be prevented based on current knowledge like proper screening and healthy lifestyle options
Myth: Cancer is a death sentence
Truth: Many cancers that were once considered a death sentence can now be cured and for many more people their cancer can now be treated effectively, especially when detected early
Myth: Cancer is just a health issue
Truth: Cancer is not just a health issue. It has wide-reaching social, economic, development and human rights implications
Myth: Cancer is a disease of the wealthy, elderly and developed countries
Truth: Cancer is a global epidemic, affecting all ages and socio-economic groups, with developing countries bearing a disproportionate burden
The cancer myths most of us believe in can add to the patient’s trauma as well as not giving sufficient information on how to do your best to stay healthy and prevent the disease.
Keep your health in tip-top shape with these tips to keeping your breasts healthy.
If you’re not clued up when it comes to cervical cancer, read out tips here.
And, for the men folk, we have all you need to know about prostate cancer here.
