World Cancer Day 2013 (4 February 2013) will focus on Target 5 of the World Cancer Declaration: Dispel damaging myths and misconceptions about cancer, under the tagline “Cancer – Did you know?”.
World Cancer Day is a chance to raise our collective voices in the name of improving general knowledge around cancer and dismissing misconceptions about the disease.
From a hospital level, we will be focusing our messaging on the four myths below.
Myth 1: 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 2: Cancer is a disease of the wealthy, elderly and developed countries
Truth: Cancer does not discriminate. It is a global epidemic, affecting all ages, with low- and middle-income countries bearing a disproportionate burden.
Myth 3: 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.
Myth 4: Cancer is my fate
Truth: With the right strategies, more than one in every three cancers can be prevented
Dr. M Fadi, SPECIALIST ONCOLOGIST at Mediclinic Welcare Hospital explains a little more on this topic.
Why is it so important to focus on these myths? Explain the impact they have on your patients?
People are usually afraid of the word ‘’CANCER’’, it is true that cancer is a global problem and it reaches all societies in each aspect, but as mentioned here , it is a curable disease when early detected. Now a days we have new strategies, modalities and wide spectrum of new targeted therapies, trials are ongoing constantly and breakthroughs are announced almost on a monthly basis , and all this is for the benefit of the patients.
How do you motivate your patients?
By offering screening programs, and encouraging patients to have regular follow-up with their oncologist, because the earlier the disease is detected better the outcome. More over a deeper understanding about the patient’s disease status. The medical care among the treating team helps in offering warm and a supportive attitude both mentally and for physical issues. Patients are also updated on a frequent basis regarding recent advances on their treatment. They are well prepared to face their future but we do encourage them to enjoy their life even while they are on treatment.
How does cancer affect family members, and what can your patient do to keep them positive?
People are emotional, and of course this disease destabilizes them and makes them more fragile, we understand this fact and we offer the patient and family counseling, we explain all details, we motivate them by giving examples and statistics, we support them in all aspects and we encourage them to get psychological assistance when this is required. We ask them to be optimistic and ask always the help of their treating team. If the patient can show their family and friends that they are ready for the fight the attitude of the family becomes the same.
Looking at myth 4, can you tell us what we can do to try and prevent certain cancers?
For example for breast cancer we do advise ladies with strong family history to do their first sono-mammogram at age of 35 and for others from age of 40, any alarming changes in your body please consult your doctor! Do not be afraid from asking or consulting, tell your doctor about your fear, thoughts and express yourself, don’t hide information or facts, be on time when you have a follow-up scheduled. When a blood test or scan is done, kindly visit your doctor to listen to the feedback, don’t take the report from the reception and leave, your doctor may have something to add, take reports and read them and formulate questions for your doctor. Make sure that your questions were answered and you understand totally. Proper communication is always the best way to deal with any problem. There is a solution to every cancer, but better prevent than treat, so routine check-ups are advised.
Lastly, how can we as the public make a difference?
The common risk factors contributing for cancers include overweight/obesity, unhealthy food habits, smoking, alcohol intake, stress and genetic factors.
Adequate exercise, healthy diet and lifestyle, play a big role in preventing cancer. Increasing the awareness on cancer, periodic screening, early detection, timely interventions, definitely reduces the mortality from this disease.
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