World Cancer Day being observed with theme “Not Beyond Us†today
- February 5, 2015, 3:10 pm
- Breaking News
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HQ City Report
QUETTA: The World Cancer Day is being observed today (Wednesday) in the country as elsewhere in the world.
This year the theme of World Cancer Day is “Not Beyond Us,†to emphasize that solutions exist and are reachable. The campaign’s goal is to implement what is already known in the areas of cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and care.
Today the whole world is celebrating cancer day. On the other hand a large number of people in Pakistan are unaware of this day.
World cancer day is celebrated to create awareness among the people about cancer and to spread knowledge about cancer in the masses.
World cancer day has a special focus on four major myths about the cancer prevailing in the world. These myths are: No need to talk about cancer, there are no signs and symptoms of cancer, nothing can be done for cancer and don’t have right to cancer cure.This day ensures removal of these myths across the globe equally. A number of activities around the globe are arranged on this day to make people aware of cancer, its types, symptoms, signs and cure
In Pakistan, cancer has taken many lives just due to lack of knowledge and fear of people about cancer. Doctors say that cancer cases are increasing every year in Pakistan. The one reason in increasing number of cancer patients is lack of health facilities for cancer patients in the country. Only in Punjab, there are 9 cancer specialist who are unable to serve the 10 Million population of the province.
Another reason is that people have various misbeliefs for cancer due to which they don’t go for proper treatment of cancer. Doctors say that at first and second stage, treatment of cancer is very easy. At later stages the treatment becomes difficult but a ray of hope is always present there. Cancer is not hereditary and is not contagious. So people should not abandon their cancer patients alone.
World Cancer Day 2015 has identified 4 main areas for education and action:
Choosing healthy lives: Healthy lifestyle choices can lower the risk for cancer. They include avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol consumption, eating right, getting plenty of exercise, and staying away from the sun and other sources of UV rays.
Early detection: For many cancers, there are warning signs and symptoms and the benefits of early detection are indisputable.
Achieving treatment for all: All people have the right to access proven and effective cancer treatments and services on equal terms, and without suffering hardship as a consequence.
Maximizing quality of life: People with cancer and their caregivers deserve high-quality, compassionate care during treatment and survivorship. This includes care for the emotional, mental, and physical effects of cancer.
