World Cancer Day in this year 2013 will be on February 4, 2013 and the focus on the day will be on Target Five of the World Cancer Declaration: Dispel damaging myths and misconceptions about cancer, under the tagline “Cancer – Did you know?”.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) is promoting that 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.
Ag. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Krishnamurphy Gopal in a report is speaks about cancer as it relates to Montserrat and its people. The doctor suggests that it is a significant disease that Montserrat should more aware about.
He says that in Montserrat alone, “there were 31 deaths in the last five years due to cancer.” He reported that over twelve of them were from prostate cancer, five of them from breast cancer, six of them from colon and glands…”
From a global level, the WHO will be focusing their messaging on the four myths below. They state: “In addition to being in-line with our global advocacy goals, we believe these overarching myths leave a lot of flexibility for members, partners and supporters to adapt and expand on for their own needs.”
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.
