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World Cancer Day dispels damaging myths about the disease

Today is World Cancer Day, and the caregivers from Upstate join with the Commission on Cancer in working to dispel damaging myths and misconceptions about the disease -- starting with these four:

* Myth 1: Cancer is just a health issue.

Truth: Cancer is not just a health issue. It has wide-reaching social, economic, development, and human rights implications.

* Myth 2: Cancer is a disease of the wealthy, elderly and developed countries.

Truth: Cancer does not discriminate. It is a global epidemic, affecting all ages, with low- and middle-income countries bearing a disproportionate burden.

* Myth 3: Cancer is a death sentence.

Truth: Many cancers that were once considered a death sentence can now be cured and for many more people their cancer can now be treated effectively.

* Myth 4: Cancer is my fate.

Truth: With the right strategies, more than one in every three cancers can be prevented.

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