What did you do on February 4, 2013? Go to work? School? What about making strides for cancer? That is what hundreds of thousands of people across the world did on February 4, 2013 for World Cancer Day.
World Cancer Day is an annual day of advocacy observed on February 4th with events, campaigns and messages to raise awareness, educate the public and to raise funds to find a cure.
Not only is World Cancer Day about spreading awareness of the disease but it’s also about helping the World Health Organization (WHO) reach their goal to reduce premature deaths due to non-communicable diseases by 25% by 2025 and dispelling common myths of cancer.
The Union of International Cancer Control (UICC) and its members were urging the public to speak out against damaging myths and misconceptions of cancer. The four most common myths about cancer are:
1.) 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.
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 fatal can now be cured and for many 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.
Cancer is a serious issue across the globe but you can begin helping in your community by volunteering or donating to your local cancer charities. The Foundation of FirstHealth’s Cancer CARE Fund helps FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital lead the fight against cancer in the mid-Carolinas. For more information on the Foundation of FirstHealth or to learn how you can help please call (910) 695-7500.
FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital’s FirstHealth Cancer Services offers treatment and support to cancer patients and survivors in the Pinehurst, Raeford, Sanford, Lumberton, Laurinburg, Rockingham, and Troy regions of North Carolina and beyond.
