Why doesnt people take cancer seriously?

Question

With a disease that happens to 1 in 3 of us and kills 1 in 4, I think people always have the attitude that it will never happen to them. With a lack of funding from the public this killing will go on for a long time.
Everybody I know doesnt ever think about it because they dont really know the facts, but me I am worried abput my future. Anyone else think this. probly not.

Answer 1

What the frick are you talking about? Lack of funding? Talk about NOT knowing the facts---please get your facts straight before you start whining about others.

Answer 2

I'll tell you why, and it's quite simple.

People handle things like this in diffrent ways, i've had Cancer for over 3 years, 6 hour operations which involved the removal my right kidney and a tumour the size of a grapefruit.

I was unable to move for 3 months, off work for 8 months, physically drained for a year and still working hard at getting somewhere near to normal.

They way i deal with it is to make a joke of the whole situation. i tend to get in first with the funny lines and the puns, maybe it's a self defence mechanism.
My pals call me the cancer kid and i think it's brilliant that we can keep the whole thing light and they can talk to me about it rather than anyone afraid to say anything incase they put thier foot in it.

I have ongoing treatment, it's a big part of my life and probably always will be, this is how i deal with it and to be honest, i don't care if it bothers anyone else.

As you said, many people are touched by Cancer but there are many diffrent types with massive survival rates so it's not a death sentance any more.

A lot of people will have minor treatment, maybe the odd day in hospital and then it's gone, hopefully nothing like i've gone through.

Just to add, the treatment i have had on the NHS has been fantastic with not a glimpse of cost cutting and no waiting at all.
I could have gone private but my GP said there would be no diffrence because of government targets, i would have the same consultant and better after care, he was right.

Oh, and my last test from 2 weeks ago was pretty good so there's always a light at the end of the tunnel.

Answer 3

I don't know where you get your facts about cancer killing 1 in 4 and a lack of public funding.

I take cancer very seriously but I don't worry about getting it again (yes I'm am in remission). If I get it again, I'll deal with it then. There is too much to live to live to spend my time moping about a disease that scientists are working as fast as they can to find cause, treatments and a cure for , but it comes in so many different forms, that it is going to take a long time.

Answer 4

Well, cancer deaths (in the US) are 22% of all deaths, slightly less than 1 in 4. And cancer death rates have been dropping steadily, about 1% per year, since the mid 1990's, so we're making progress.

Don't smoke, eat a healthy diet, and your risk of getting cancer goes down significantly. However, there is still a risk, and NOTHING you can do personally can prevent you from getting cancer -- some kinds of cancer follow inheritance from genetic traits, and you're stuck with the genes you have.
No, I'm not all that worried about it. I already know I'm going to die -- we all are. Since there's nothing beyond what I'm already doing that can prevent me getting cancer, why worry about it? Nobody in my extended family has ever died from cancer, so I like my odds :)

Answer 5

Many younger people don't think about cancer because they don't worry about their health unless it affects their looks. They think cancer is something that affects seniors. As people grow older, they start to worry about cancer and other diseases. It's good to get all the facts while you are young and to start living a healthy lifestyle because the sooner the better when it comes to cancer prevention.

Answer 6

I think mmw & obzi have got right,Im coming up to two years now since my colon op which then spread to my liver.I was given a DS1500 (six months to live) over a year ago and im still going strong (ish) and I think the main factor is dont worry about it,talk openly about it,and most of all laugh about it ,it isnt going to go away and its not what I expected at 51 but there you go it happens.

Answer 7

I agree, everyone is a potential cancer victim. I had prostate cancer and I wish that I had taken a PSA test earlier than I did, if so I might have been able to save my prostate from removal.
I think people are afraid and they just push the thought of cancer back in their minds because of this fear. But we should all face our fears. Early detection would save many lives and heartaches.

Answer 8

What you say is true but we shouldnot forget to live our lives worrying about things that might happen to you. It is good that you are aware of such disease and all you can do is take precautionary measures but dont stop living your life.....think positve and be optimistic...by the way do you have any blood relative afflicted with cancer? If so you must get yourself cheked up.

Answer 9

Heart disease kills more people and gets less funding. You should worry. You don't know the facts.

Answer 10

I worry about driving the car up the motorway, I have to do it every day and see accidents almost on a daily basis but I get on with it. When I see my grandchildren I worry about them and what if something terrible happened to them. And so it goes on. People do take cancer seriously, admittedly not all, but people do. You can't worry about something that hasn't happened, there will be enough for you to worry about as you get older. Don't worry about what's not there...if you have to worry then worry about something you can change. Worry about people who depend on oxfam, buy dinners for children, school books so they can be educated. Don't worry about what is not here worry about what you can change