It's rather sad to have a sad 'celebrating' cancer. I mean, I know no one is exactly celebrating cancer, but I've felt fairly negative toward it all day.
More attention needs to be paid toward cancer, definitely, and more money for its research. Treatments have come a long way in the past twenty years, but let's face it, cancer treatments are brutal and ugly. And I live in the USA; I can't imagine what it's like having cancer in a country that has fewer doctors and/or abilities to treat cancer patients.
Some advancements, like placing a port rather than having to start an IV each time a patient goes to chemo has been a great invention. Drug cocktails given to alleviate nausea, poor appetite, bathroom problems, and swelling have helped cancer patients live better lives. I remember when my mom was going through treatment for breast cancer; she turned yellow and couldn't eat anything because it all tasted so bad. I didn't turn yellow, and for only a few days a week did food taste funny.
Then there are problems with insurance, which can limit a patient's access to good care. Insurance dictates whether a procedure is "acceptable" or not. Insurance can refuse a patient's claims. Insurance refuses to pay for breast reconstruction, reduction, or implants because they aren't 'medically necessary,' regardless of the shame a woman might feel about having noticeably lopsided breasts or no breasts.
I feel negative toward World Cancer Day because I think it's something that should be acknowledged more than one day per year (or two, if you count October). There are so many illnesses that science has been able to overcome; it would be nice if researchers had the money to solve this one too.
No comments:
Post a Comment