Don’t fear cancer!

THE BATTLE Jamaican women and men face with the diagnosis of cancer is similar to the battle others face in other countries. The first reaction to a diagnosis of cancer is usually disbelief, deep denial, and fear.

Many women have a heightened fear of breast cancer because of its frightening statistics. It is the most common cancer in Jamaican women, and one in every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. But today, more women are alive after a breast cancer diagnosis because of increased public education, access to screening services, a heightened awareness of the disease, more targeted treatments, and research.

Out of every 100 women diagnosed with breast cancer, one man will receive a diagnosis of breast cancer.

Following a diagnosis of breast cancer, women, in particular, have to overcome the fear of death, disfigurement, dependency, and losing a career, a husband, or a boyfriend.

Education and awareness play a major role in surviving cancer. There are several myths around breast cancer causing delayed diagnoses, difficulties in treatment, and possibly, death. Jamaicans must understand that: Breast cancer is not contagious Small-breasted women, like men, can develop cancer Using underarm deodorant does not cause cancer Obeah cannot cause or cure cancer Lifting heavy weights and being stung on the breast by insects will not cause breast cancer.