Eliminating the Taboo on World Cancer Day

Eliminating the Taboo on World Cancer Day

International Perspectives

Feb 01, 2019

Dr. Evangelia RazisBy Evangelia Razis, MD, PhD

All homes and all families have or have had their own cancer experiences.

Speaking about it dissolves the taboo and allows for earlier diagnosis, less discrimination, increased awareness, and higher commitment by authorities. It also helps those struggling with the disease feel part of a bigger family and that their therapy is part of a global effort.

As we ponder on the values of this World Cancer Day, we should come out with our own or our family’s stories and help make the causes more real.

The fear and even the guilt that is part of this diagnosis is one of its most devastating characteristics—as if you are suddenly uprooted and moved to another category of fellow humans, somewhere with those that have found out what it is like to have to face our own mortality. In some societies, one is literally ostracized.

Years ago, in an ESMO conference, a patient with ovarian cancer spoke at the opening ceremony and said, “Sitting around a dinner table, people will lower the voice when they mention that so-and-so had cancer, but not when they say that so-and-so had a heart attack.” Why is that? Is there shame involved? Why do we hide the diagnosis even from the patient themselves, when we don’t do so for most other serious illnesses?

Come out loud and clear so that the words themselves stop being so scary, so people are not afraid to seek care for their symptoms!

For those fortunate enough to be battling cancer in countries where some research effort is taking place, consider taking part in research projects. That is what got us where we are in oncology, and more efforts will take us further!

Finally, a thought for all those that have devoted their lives in the fight against cancer: doctors, nurses, researchers, administrative staff, social workers, patient advocates. They, too, must battle with the odds, facing burnout every day. Awareness and compassion help their work, too.

I will speak out about my cancer story and participate in research. I will support all those working to fight cancer. I can and I will.

Dr. Razis is a member of ASCO’s International Affairs Committee and the director of the 3rd Oncology Department and Contemporary Oncology Team at the Hygeia Hospital in Athens, Greece.

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Comments

Jun, 17 2019 7:09 AM

Really it sounds simple about Cancer, but require lots of patience and will power and understanding the disease

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