MANILA, Philippines - The World Health Organization (WHO) yesterday said that “myths and misconceptions†continue to hinder efforts to curb the rising cases of cancer in the Western Pacific Region.
“We need to dispel the myth that cancer is a death sentence. There are effective ways to prevent as well as detect cancers in the early stages. Prompt treatment can cure many cancers,†WHO regional director for Western Pacific Dr. Shin Young-soo said in a statement.
The statement was made in line with the celebration of World Cancer Day tomorrow. This year’s theme is focused on “dispelling damaging myths and misconceptions about cancer, which kills more than AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined.â€
WHO warned that without significant action, a preventable and curable disease would continue to kill millions of people worldwide.
Among the beliefs that WHO wants corrected is that cancer is just a health problem. Shin said the illness also has wide-reaching social, economic development and human rights implications.
WHO clarified that cancer is not a disease of the wealthy, elderly and developed nations.
“Cancer is a global epidemic, affecting all ages, with low- and middle-income countries bearing the brunt,†the agency said.