Create a future without cancer. The time to act is now.
World Cancer Day is about committing to action that will lead to powerful progress in reducing the global impact on cancer.
Each and every one of us can help make lasting, positive change.
As recipients of a Communities Against Cancer Grant, The Flash radio station have been having conversations about cancer and encouraging their listeners to share their cancer stories. Here, one of the presenters, author Edward Couzens-Lake writes about being part of the Communities Against Cancer project…
I suspect many people strive to avoid talking about, or even uttering the word ‘cancer’ –unless they really have to. Even when we do, it’s usually expressed as part of a swiftly muttered whisper, else is replaced altogether by a softer and more socially acceptable phrase like, for example, ‘a long illness’. It is, in short, the word that no-one likes to say.
Until it enters our own lives.
That’s the time when we can’t avoid speaking about it any longer. Because it is there. Very real, potentially life threatening and almost certainly life changing. And needing to be dealt with. Because you cannot hide from cancer. If you are to stare it full on in the face and take it on though, you need two things;
1. Support.
2. Education.
Two priceless qualities that Communities Against Cancer provide. Amongst many others. Because even if you don’t want to look your own particular cancer in the face, they’ll stand by you and help you to do just that. So you don’t have to be alone.
In a world where we can, all too often, feel lost and vulnerable when it comes to health matters, Communities Against Cancer reaches out to those of us who may not have fully understood the illness or felt unable to follow or act upon the myriad advice that is offered about cancer awareness and prevention.
They’re not worried about speaking its name. And they’ll encourage you to not only do so yourself but to learn about cancer. What might cause it. What the warning signs or symptoms of a possible cancer might be. What to do if you have any worries or symptoms yourself. Or if a family member or friend has them.
Clear, concise and accurate information provided by people who want to help you.
They’ll answer your questions. They’ll give you all the information and support you’ll need. And they’ll be there for you whenever you need them. There is a famous phrase which claims that, ‘A little knowledge is a dangerous thing’. The implication is that a small or limited amount of knowledge about something can mislead people into thinking they are more expert on a subject than they really are. This can lead to misunderstandings and either false hope or unnecessary fear. Neither of which we want to surround ourselves with when it comes to cancer. Communities Against Cancer have all the knowledge and expertise that you will ever need to know, whether it is for you as you commence your own cancer journey or that of the person that you are accompanying and supporting as they begin theirs.
You can never have too much knowledge about anything. And Communities Against Cancer are here and ready to share theirs with you. It might not make that journey any easier. But they will certainly light your way.