World Cancer Day is here again. If you have been on social media today you may have seen "sponsored" posts by some of the leading cancer charities, depending on the circles you are involved in you may have seen photos of "unite bands" being shared by friends, or like many you may have simply thought today was Saturday February 4th; where the biggest news is American politics, the Six Nations and the fact we apparently can't buy courgettes anymore!
But for 1 in 2 families in the UK today is about more than throwing a few coins in a cancer collection tin, it's a reality that they have faced.
In 2014 there were around 357,000 new cases of cancer in the UK, which is around 980 people diagnosed every single day. Every single day 980 people (and their friends and families) heard the words that no one wants to hear, "you have cancer". (That's someone every two minutes) That word in itself is so powerful, as soon as it is mentioned your mind begins rushing with so many thoughts, emotions and fears.
For many therefore today is a day to unite, a day to remember those who fought bravely but are sadly not with us anymore, a day to celebrate those who fought and survived and a day to stand with those currently fighting.
It's something we are all aware of, we all know someone and yet it's something we don't really like to talk about. We found throughout Lonnie and Josh's cancer journey's but particularly when Josh relapsed that people didn't know how to talk to us about it so they simply didn't. I would urge you if you do nothing else this world cancer day, please contact someone you know currently fighting, who has previously fought, or someone missing someone who is sadly not here. Let them know that you don't know the right thing to say but that you are here for them if they do want to talk to you. Cancer can cause so much loneliness and isolation, it's so important to stand with people to prevent this.
42% of cancer cases in the UK each year are linked to lifestyle factors (alcohol, smoking, obesity) that could have been avoided.
This is something again that we don't like to talk about. But personally I think this is a lot of people who could make simple changes that could prevent them needing life changing treatment. (Also in the current climate, think about the extra cost to the NHS this brings...) We all like to have a drink and eat chocolate, and as I write this I am curled up on the sofa with a biscuit and that's okay! It's about being sensible and taking responsibility for our own health and actions. Some cancers (like Josh's) of course couldn't have been avoided by lifestyle changes but some can. So please this world cancer day consider your lifestyle and think about whether you need to make any changes. I would love to think that other wives and mothers could stop themselves being in my situation of caring for your husband and child whilst they undergo cancer treatment.
In the time it took you to read this, two people will have been diagnosed with cancer and one will have sadly passed away from the disease.
Please visit the following if you would like to donate to current research:
Children's cancers: http://www.cclg.org.uk/Donate
Adult's cancers: http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/support-us/donate/other-ways-to-donate
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