The world is yet again commemorating World Cancer Day. But how much does individuals know about the disease?
Noelene Kotschan, founder and director of PinkDrive, said if you notice unexplained changes in your body, you must visit a medical professional to determine the cause – early cancer detection can save lives.
Kotschan also added that cancer remains a taboo subject and people living with cancer are subject to stigma and discrimination that may stop them from seeking care.
Here are some of the facts and myths about Cancer.
Myth – If you find a lump while breastfeeding it can’t be cancer.
Fact – Breastfeeding is proved to reduce a woman’s lifetime risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer but it can still happen.
Myth – Cancer is contagious and can spread like flu.
Fact – Cancer is not contagious.
Myth – Childhood cancer is fatal.
Fact – Most childhood cancers are curable. For example, some types of common childhood cancers have a survival rate is up to 85 per cent with chemotherapy alone. A successful cure depends on early detection and access to cancer treatment.
Myth – Testicular cancer is an old person’s disease.
Fact – It is the most common cancer affecting men between the ages of 18 to 39, the second most common between the ages of 35 to 39 and the third most common cancer between the ages of 15 to 19.
Myth – If you are young, a breast lump can’t be cancer.
Fact – You should get breast lumps checked out by a doctor at any age.
Myth – I am too young to worry about cervical cancer.
Fact – Women can be diagnosed with cervical cancer in their 20s.
Myth – Cancer is always painful.
Fact – The myth that cancer is always painful is associated with people’s fear of the disease. The cancer cells themselves are not painful but if the disease is advanced and has spread to the bones, then pain may be a symptom. There is medication that can help relieve this pain.
