For
most people, cancer of any organ is one of the most horrifying
diseases of all time. This has also lead to the spread of fear and
helplessness, but the truth is that many of these are myths, which
have to be addressed to the general public.
Cancer
is the spreading of a tumour from one cell to another, leading to the
malfunctioning of other cells. The progress of a cell from a
pre-cancerous lesion to a malignant tumour is based partially on
genetic factors and partly on external agents such as:
- Physical carcinogens (cancer-causing agents)- UV radiation
- Chemical carcinogens- asbestos, components of tobacco smoke, aflatoxin (food contaminant) and arsenic (affecting drinking water)
- Biological carcinogens- Infection from harmful bacteria, viruses or parasites
4th
February 2014 will be celebrated as World Cancer Day, as is the
practice every year. The entire online campaign for the coming year
is based upon “Debunking the myths related to cancer.”
medical writing |
Myth1:
We don’t need to talk about cancer
Feelings
of shock and stigma are quite natural. This may also lead to a
never-ending cycle of fear and depression. Instead, what is relevant
is stressing the importance of early detection, sometimes by
counteracting cultural barriers. Many cultures even consider it taboo
to talk about the disease in public, considering its impact as a
life-changing event on the victim.
Support
groups, partners, friends and family members of the infected person
help in improving quality of life and reduce anxiety. Through
campaigns, it is possible to educate family and friends about the
symptoms of male cancers (testicular, prostate and colorectal).
Myth
2: There are no signs or symptoms of cancer
It
is important that health professionals and individuals are able to
recognise symptoms of cancer, wherever possible. Though it is true
that symptoms of all forms of cancer are not known, early detection
can take control of breast, skin, cervical, and some childhood
cancers. Researchers globally are searching for innovative methods of
detection.
An
effective screening process, which helps in the system application of
a test to an asymptomatic population, is required. It determines
pre-cancerous treatment and enables timely diagnosis. Examples of
screening methods are: visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) for
cervical cancer for low income groups, PAP test for middle and high
income groups, and mammography for breast cancer in high income
groups.
Myth
3: There is nothing I can do about cancer
Many
preventive measures can be taken at the individual and community
levels. Education with respect to a healthy lifestyle with adequate
physical activity and a nutritious balanced diet is important. It is
true that consumption of tobacco leads to 71% of lung cancer deaths
and 22% of all cancer fatalities.
Obesity
is another alarming concern which has the potential of leading to
cancer, if not controlled. It is strongly a cause for breast,
uterine, pancreatic, kidney and oesophagus cancers, which can be
eliminated by limiting the consumption of junk food.
Exposure
to UV radiation is responsible for the spread of skin cancer. Through
campaigns, education about the same can be passed on to the public.
Treatment
Cancer
treatment involves careful selection of methods, such as surgery,
radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. It can help in either curing the
disease or improve quality of life. But there are some harmful
effects of radiation as well. Improved
access to oral morphine is helpful in treatment of moderate to severe
cancer pain.
Myth
4: I don’t have the right to cancer care
Access
to cancer health care is necessary for social justice. All people
should have equal access to adequate and affordable medicines,
treatment and technologies. However, a gap is often seen between the
resources available in developed and developing countries.
In
most cases, lack of access to pain relief medicine and socio-economic
factors contribute to deteriorating health. Even lack of awareness
compounds this problem. Thereby, the Government needs to play a huge
role in creating Universal Health Insurance policies and establishing
hospitals that provide affordable treatment. Cancer control programs
also need to be launched in a big way, considering the large size of
impacted nations. If ignored, this would have serious economic
implications.
Cancer
is undoubtedly a major challenge against social and economic
development. Individuals and Governments have to realise that this
risk can be managed effectively by investing in health. Just like
major campaigns such as eradication of Polio have been successful in
India, the same approach can be taken towards cancer. Of course,
society needs to play a major role