World Cancer Day is an initiative of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). This year, the UICC is focusing on dispelling the following damaging myths and misconceptions about the disease:
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 is a global epidemic. It affects all ages and socio-economic groups, with developing 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 be treated effectively.
Myth 4: Cancer is my fate.
Truth: With the right strategies, a third of the most common cancers can be prevented.
Source: ACS
