Cancer Day

Today is 4 Feb. That is World Cancer Day:

 

Did you know Your healthy lifestyles can substantially reduce risks of getting cancers that are caused by responsible factors such as alcohol, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity. By self awareness, balanced improved diet, physical activity and maintaining a healthy body weight could be preventive measures against cancer.

This year World Cancer Day theme is to dismiss damaging myths and misconceptions about cancer, under the tagline Cancer — Did you know? Let's make a point to generate more awareness and dispel all the myths related to cancer.

A few of the myth and facts are:

1. Myth: Cancer is just a health issue. It has wide reaching social, economic, development and human rights implications.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Myth: Cancer is my fate. Truth: With the right strategies, at least 30% of cancer cases can be prevented based on current knowledge.

All of us including individuals, policy makers, non-profits and healthcare professionals need to understand that many cancers can be prevented through appropriate lifestyle change. Early detection of cancer always increases the chances for successful treatment. Also one should understand that cancer is not the only cause of end of life and like other causes can be beaten/defeated with optimistic approach, and necessary medical and social support.