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The world recognizes February 4 as World Cancer Day. Anyone reading this may have been directly or indirectly affected by cancer. Whether it's themselves, a family member, a colleague or a friend, it's one of the toughest wars we strive to win. By talking about any physical or mental illness, we bring it to the domain, and open forums for discussions.
Despite advancements in cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment, only 50% of the world's population has access to all necessary medical care. If we keep an eye on our lifestyle, we can generally avoid cancer. Some of them grow slowly because tissue changes take time, but routine screening can detect them early enough for treatment.
Survivor Stories You Need to Hear on World Cancer Day
The second leading cause of death in the world is cancer. The word is associated with dread of pain and death. In addition to physical pain, there is also psychological, socioeconomic, and spiritual anguish.
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Often, individuals who're able to recover from the effects of cancer are known to be survivors. If you or anyone you know is struggling with cancer, the following ten stories will serve as a reminder that you can win against cancer on World Cancer Day:
1) The New Normal
Due to genetic issues, Wenora is extremely prone to developing cancer. It was similar to the new normal for her. She counsels and urges accepting cancer for what it is. Continue anticipating your life and the future because no one can predict what it will hold for us.
Nobody ever suggested she speak with her gynecologist about any therapeutic treatment alternatives to assist her get through this. Like Wenora, many of us are more vulnerable to this condition and it is crucial to seek professional help.
2) "You Have Cancer"
This is probably the last thing anyone wants to hear, but like Anila's father, early detection increases the chances of recovery. Her father's doctor noticed a minor irregularity in his blood report during a routine check-up that required more testing.
He went for additional testing despite his initial concerns, as he trusted his doctor. The results showed that her father did indeed have cancer, but that because it had been caught early, his prognosis was very good. Her father's treatment was successful, and he fully recovered as a result of the early detection.
3) Rounds of Chemotherapy
At the age of 32, Monali received an ovarian cancer diagnosis. Before that, she occasionally experienced a slight stomach ache that lasted only a few seconds. On World Cancer Day, remember that there are many treatment options. The body is attacked first, followed by psyche, and then everything goes wrong.
The body supports treatment if the mind is kept in good shape beforehand. Monali is back at work as a transmission executive after enduring two operations and 18 rounds of chemotherapy.
4) Surviving Aggressive Tumors
Ashlee was diagnosed with stage 3 cervical cancer, an aggressive tumor in her cervix and lymph nodes, when she was 26.
She needed specialized care, which included chemotherapy and radiation therapy with brachytherapy. During this difficult moment, her family came to her aid. On World Cancer Day, don't hide your concerns and share them as much as you can.
5) Prognosis and Recovery
Karen will finally undergo reconstructive surgery to mark her fifth anniversary since diagnosis, which is a significant achievement.
She rejoices, but she also mourns the loss of another friend who has metastases in her head and neck at the same time. Even if we appear to be normal from the outside, we will always be anything but, and we live each day with the knowledge that our futures are all unclear.
6) Support is Available
World Cancer Day recognizes various organizations dedicated to finding individuals who are trying and winning over cancer. One of these being, the Young Survivor Coalition.
Lyn D. had an appointment for a diagnostic mammography and ultrasound in January 2022. A physician entered the room during the mammogram and advised her that she required a biopsy, which he could perform in three days.
She was brought in and informed of the outcome two weeks later. She clearly recalls hearing those words, "You have breast cancer," while she was seated in the doctor's office. Support groups can be quite helpful at this time.
7) Recovery is Possible
After receiving her diagnosis 5.5 years ago, Robyn S. has led a great life. They have a gorgeous wheat terrier puppy.
She recently purchased her first home and is following a new path with her job. She is married to the best partner she could have ever wished for. You too can succeed, just like Robyn. World Cancer Day is just a starting point for these survivors.
8) What Doesn't Kill You, Makes you Stronger
After such an illness, Nitisha Y won't just sit around the house doing nothing. She subsequently made the decision to return to her place of employment.
She returned to school in June 2021 with the same attitude, passion, vigor, and resolve.
9) Championing the Scars
At the age of 26, Mark received a Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis. He had several cycles of chemotherapy. As described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, he discussed the value of creating and utilizing support networks and his experience restoring his physical and mental health following therapy.
People erroneously believe that because you overcame cancer, the sun is always beaming on you, even when it isn't. There are several scars on the inside that people are unaware of, unable to see, and uninformed about.
10) New Version of Self
On this World Cancer Day, find a new version of yourself. After receiving treatment for uterine and endometrial malignancies at age 34, Xenia struggled with infertility. She developed a peer support network and discovered a new self after cancer.
Once the procedure is complete, you're expected to restart your life, but you often don't. You're a completely different version of yourself, but therapy can help establish your new normal.
World Cancer Day is everyone's day to commemorate. Cancer is not one disease but a range of disorders.
Therefore, the therapy and outcome for every cancer patient differs. Knowing the risk factors and avoiding them will help you prevent problems in the future. Watch out for these symptoms, as they can be non-specific early cancer signals.
On this World Cancer Day, increase your awareness of proper treatment and know that the most expensive option is not always the best one. Cancer can be treated, and everyone should have access to it.
Janvi Kapur is a counselor with a Master's degree in applied psychology with a specialization in clinical psychology.
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