Today is World Cancer Day and BCAC is backing the global campaign to reduce the stigma associated with cancer and dispel myths about it.

Each year around 7.6 million people worldwide die from cancer and World Cancer Day aims to help prevent deaths by raising awareness and improving education about the disease.

BCAC chair, Libby Burgess, says it’s an important day to acknowledge that we can all do something to help prevent cancer by educating others about the disease.

“All too often, people are not aware of the signs and symptoms of cancer, or they’re not aware of screening programmes to help detect the disease or new medicines to help treat the disease. 

“By sharing our knowledge of breast cancer, we’re doing something to help raise awareness of cancer and the steps people need to take to catch it early so it can be treated more effectively.  That’s why BCAC is so supportive of World Cancer Day,” Libby says.

The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), which organises World Cancer Day, says there are still many myths about cancer and the Day is the perfect opportunity for people to dispel them.

This year, the day aims to debunk four key myths about cancer.  These are:

  • We don’t need to talk about cancer
  • There are no signs and symptoms of cancer
  • There’s nothing I can do about cancer
  • I don’t have the right to cancer care.

The UICC says greater awareness and education about cancer can lead to positive change at an individual, community and policy level and across the continuum of cancer care.

BCAC’s Libby Burgess says even in this day and age many people still feel uncomfortable talking about cancer and seeking help if they suspect something is wrong. 

“Some cultures are more affected by this stigma than others so it’s really important that we talk about cancer and that people of all cultures feel able to discuss symptoms with someone and take action to seek medical help.”

If you’d like to help BCAC continue its work to raise awareness of breast cancer in New Zealand, please visit our donation page or donate via facebook.