Let’s Put an End to Cancer-Related Myths..

Having cancer does not mean that there is nothing more that can be done. Every new piece of information about cancer obtained from experts will contribute to increasing awareness in society.

4 On World Cancer Day in February, I believe that we must put an end to the confusion and misconceptions that have become established among the public regarding the increasingly large number of cancer cases in recent years.

“Cancer is not merely a health issue. Cancer is a phenomenon extending to social, economic, and cultural development and human rights.” The environmental, economic, and hereditary factors that I have repeatedly mentioned when discussing many types of cancer and/or writing an article play a contributing role in this disease. Various factors trigger cancer. In both developed and developing countries, people encounter various types of cancer depending on their living standards. Throughout the world, it is of great importance to raise public awareness according to environmental factors, economic level, and the country’s development status, and to inform the public about what types of cancer these factors may cause. This is a project that health organizations must carry out together with the state, not one person alone. Raising public awareness here may perhaps be a preventive factor for many possible types of cancer. As we oncologists have repeatedly stated, early diagnosis saves lives in cancer. Therefore, raising public awareness in this direction may prevent potentially distressing consequences.

Another belief is that “cancer is a disease found in affluent and/or older individuals, in developed countries.” Contrary to this belief, cancer is a disease that must be evaluated by taking many factors into consideration. As I said at the beginning of my article, cancer can occur in developed and underdeveloped countries, in individuals from various socioeconomic levels, and at any age. For example, the high rate of smoking in underdeveloped countries causes an increase in lung cancer. Or cervical cancer may be more common in a woman with a polygamous sex life. Alternatively, it is possible to encounter bone cancer in a child 15-16 years of age who is in the developmental period. As you can see, none of these cancers is related to your age, your economic status, or living in an underdeveloped country. Various environmental factors and factors such as your lifestyle may play a contributing role in this disease.

“Having cancer does not mean that there is nothing more that can be done or, in other words, that you will lose your life.” Today, many types of cancer are treated effectively. When diagnosed early, the effectiveness of this treatment increases even further. In our country, there are fully equipped cancer centers where you can receive effective treatment or access palliative treatments to control cancer. In these well-equipped centers managed by expert teams, cancer patients can receive all kinds of treatment without needing to go abroad. Thanks to advances in science and technology, cancer is now a disease that can be managed more easily. Dozens of drugs have been developed for many types of cancer. As a result, many types of cancer can be completely treated. Very successful results are being achieved through many new treatment techniques, such as targeted therapies, interventional radiology, and smart drugs. Cancer patients are no longer dying within months. When diagnosed at an early stage, the patient can be completely cured. In advanced-stage cancers, the patient’s survival time is extended through palliative treatment practices made possible by advances in technology and medications. In addition, treatment-related side effects can be reduced and the cancer patient’s quality of life can be improved. In this way, the patient can comfortably continue their daily life. In situations affecting daily life, rehabilitation and psychological support services provided by specialist physicians will make your life considerably easier. For some types of cancer, all treatment expenses of cancer patients (medications, hospital) are covered by the state. Based on all these explanations, patients should be constantly reminded that cancer does not mean the end of the world, and public awareness should be increased in this regard.

The belief that “cancer is your destiny” causes patients to lose their desire to fight and, during this period dominated by anxious thoughts, leads to psychological deterioration. Instead, taking certain measures to prevent cancer is both less costly and plays an important role in reducing cancer in the long term. What needs to be done for this is quite simple. Eating healthily, avoiding alcohol and smoking altogether if possible, and exercising as much as your health permits will help you maintain a healthy weight and become fitter, and will be contributing factors in preventing cancer. Through this lifestyle, which entails no additional economic burden, it is possible to protect yourself against nearly all types of cancer.

“The inability to create sufficient awareness about cancer prevention and treatment in developing countries” remains the most important deficiency. Different outcomes are encountered for different types of cancer between developed and underdeveloped countries. In underdeveloped countries, it is frequently observed that, as a result of insufficient public awareness, individuals whose cancer is not diagnosed early and/or who cannot receive sufficiently effective treatment lose their lives due to a treatable type of cancer. For this reason, awareness of cancer in society should be increased through joint efforts by health institutions with state support.

Contrary to the belief that “there is no need to talk about cancer,” discussing this issue through various channels will help develop solutions to cancer in society and in government policy. A patient diagnosed with cancer becomes upset, may feel hopeless and alone, and may also become angry that this disease has happened to them. On the contrary, talking about cancer helps individuals feel more comfortable and contributes to removing the taboo surrounding this disease in society. Increasing public awareness through experts in communication channels such as television and social media will help eliminate negative perceptions about cancer.

Another belief that must be dispelled is that “cancer shows no symptoms.” This belief may be true for some cancers. However, it is now a known fact that many types of cancer present specific symptoms. Knowing more about these symptoms will enable early diagnosis of the disease and eliminate the risk to life. Learn about risk factors that vary according to age group, sex, weight, diet and lifestyle, and even hereditary factors. In this way, you may prevent a potential cancer risk or ensure that an existing cancer is diagnosed at an early stage.

As you can see, the small changes you make in your life will prevent major health problems that may arise in the future. Every new piece of cancer information you obtain from reliable sources and oncology and hematology centers staffed by specialist doctors will dispel the false beliefs whispered from ear to ear. Cancer is no longer a disease to be feared or hidden. Remember! By acting consciously, you can make your life easier and lead a healthier life..