On Thursday we celebrate World Cancer Day. The International Union Against Cancer (UICC) will launch its new campaign ?Cancer can be prevented too?. This new theme focuses on how the risk of developing cancer can significantly be reduced through simple measures related to tobacco use, alcohol consumption, sun exposure, healthy weight and protection against cancer-causing infections. It is a day to remind us of the 28million affected by this disease worldwide and how we can lower our risk through prevention methods.
One of the major barriers to diagnosis and treatment is stigma. The United States has reduced the stigma of cancer greatly in the past 50 years, but in many countries-developed and underdeveloped-stigma is a barrier that can lead to late diagnosis and, in turn, death. Please view the video below and let us know if you or a loved one has experienced stigma related to cancer.