Today is World Cancer Day, and the caregivers from Upstate join with the Commission on Cancer in working to dispel damaging myths and misconceptions about the disease — starting with these four:
* 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 does not discriminate. It is a global epidemic, affecting all ages, with low- and middle-income 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 now be treated effectively.
* Myth 4: Cancer is my fate.
Truth: With the right strategies, more than one in every three cancers can be prevented.
