By: Mary Blessing Ahairiirwe
Worth Noting:
- Many individuals isolate themselves from cancer screenings because of the stigma associated with the disease. Reactions from others whether physical, on social media, or in various forms can deter them from seeking help.
- Additionally, some of our comrades mistakenly regard cancer as a “disease of the rich,” leading to a lack of attention to medical tests and screenings. This misconception can be dangerous as cancer can affect anyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
- Moreso, a lot of people have this misconception that cancer isn’t curable, which isn’t true. Many forms of cancer are treatable, and technological advancements in medicine have led to effective therapies and management strategies.
Yesterday 4th February, 2025, we joined the rest of the world today not to celebrate, but to recognize World Cancer Day led by Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) whose primary goal of this day is to significantly reduce illness and death caused by cancer by creating and raising awareness about the cancer cause, its detection, and treatment.
Often, people feel nervous and scared to undergo cancer testing due to the fear of receiving a positive diagnosis. However, living in denial and ignorance can be just as dangerous, acting as an anonymous form of cancer that threatens society.
Not a medical person, but through appreciating different forms of literature, I have interacted with various types of cancer, such as breast cancer, thyroid cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer, among others. Knowing they exist, recognizing the signs and symptoms is one thing, and taking that extra step for our health to get tested is another.
Many individuals isolate themselves from cancer screenings because of the stigma associated with the disease. Reactions from others whether physical, on social media, or in various forms can deter them from seeking help.
Additionally, some of our comrades mistakenly regard cancer as a “disease of the rich,” leading to a lack of attention to medical tests and screenings. This misconception can be dangerous as cancer can affect anyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
Moreso, a lot of people have this misconception that cancer isn’t curable, which isn’t true. Many forms of cancer are treatable, and technological advancements in medicine have led to effective therapies and management strategies.
Furthermore, we must recognize harmful practices that contribute to cancer risk, such as cooking with polythene bags, a common practice in semi-urban and urban areas that poses long-term health risks.
We cannot overlook the role of exposure to various radioactive gases and air pollution, which have significantly heightened cancer risks. These environmental factors contribute to the development of different types of cancer such as lung cancer making it essential to raise awareness about their impact. Addressing these issues of climate change are crucial in our fight against cancer as well.
With various statistics showing a higher prevalence of cancer cases in women than in men, there’s an urgent need to advocate for our mothers and girls against cancer. It’s crucial to raise awareness about the unique challenges they face and ensure they have access to the resources and support necessary for prevention, early detection, and treatment.
There is a need to join efforts to conduct massive sensitization campaigns in our communities about cancer, its various forms, signs, symptoms, and the immediate actions to take if one is affected. Educate people that early detection and intervention can significantly improve outcomes, and show them how countless individuals are living healthy lives after a cancer diagnosis. It’s important to challenge these misconceptions and promote awareness about the possibilities of recovery and the importance of seeking medical advice not just on such days but always.
Access to medical care is also a critical issue. We need the government and responsible authorities to invest more in healthcare and medical facilities, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary machines and capabilities to diagnose and treat cancer effectively. This will help alleviate the burden on already congested referral hospitals, providing timely care to those in need.
The need to stop self-diagnosis and treatment is more pressing than ever. Many of us have turned ourselves into amateur doctors, and in this digital era where information is readily available online, it’s become increasingly challenging to resist the urge to diagnose ourselves and buy medications without consulting professionals. While using a smartphone to access health information can be beneficial, relying on it for self-medication is not advisable. The data we find online may apply to someone else entirely, which can lead to dangerous misdiagnoses and inappropriate treatments.
This highlights the importance of encouraging outreach to trained healthcare personnel rather than relying on self-diagnosis. Consulting with professionals ensures that we receive accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatments tailored to our individual health needs. It’s vital to prioritize our health by seeking the expertise of trained professionals, as they can provide the necessary assessments and recommendations.
Finally, we call upon everyone to take part in this vital mission. Together, we can foster a culture of awareness and support for cancer patients, encouraging regular testing and breaking down the barriers of stigma. Let’s work towards a society where individuals especially mothers, girls and women feel empowered to seek medical assistance without fear, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes and cancer free generation.
Mary Blessing Ahairiirwe
Volunteer- Women for Green Economy Movement Uganda
maryblessingahairiirwe@gmail.com
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