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“I keep dreaming of a future, a future with a long and healthy life, not lived in the shadow of cancer but in the light.” Patrick Swayze
World Cancer Day 2014 Button
Today is World Cancer Day and WorldCancerDay.Org wants to not only increase our awareness of this insidious disease, but to also help us dispel misconceptions and myths we might have about it. At some point in our lives, many of us will either know someone, a family member, a friend/co-worker, battling cancer or know someone who lost their life to cancer. In some cases, we might be the ones battling some form of the disease. Fortunately, there continues to be an enormous push to shine a light, raise funds and educate people about cancer.
Every year, people from all walks of life participate in events that help raise funds for research. In case you are wondering how this special day started: World Cancer Day was founded by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to support the goals of the World Cancer Declaration, written in 2008. This year, for World Cancer Day, WorldCancerDay.Org has chosen to help us debunk 4 myths about the disease. If you didn’t have to look at the myths on this page, would you be able to name/guess one?
Dispelling Misconceptions & Debunking Myths About Cancer:
Myth 1: We don’t need to talk about cancer: When someone we know announces that they have been diagnosed with cancer, there is a tendency for some to either head for the hills or change the subject. Talking about it won’t make it contagious or quicken the demise of our loved ones, yet some feel uncomfortable broaching the subject. It’s important to have an open conversation about the disease and, if we are caregivers, to discuss the ramifications and impact it might have on income, benefits and additional expenses. In the workplace, it is imperative to offer support and suggest ways to shift responsibilities to others. Ignoring the topic is not the best approach. Conversations about body image and sexual well being are equally important and shouldn’t be swept under the rug.
Myth 2: There are no signs or symptoms of cancer: While there are some forms of cancer, such as ovarian and pancreatic cancers, that are not easily detectable because they don’t show early signs, there are other forms of cancer; skin and breast, throat and others that give warning signs and symptoms. Some of us might also be genetically predisposed to specific types of cancers because we carry genetic markers in our DNA. If we avail ourselves of all the preventative health resources in our health plans, and get regular check ups, we will benefit from the early detection of any cell abnormalities or growths. Researchers in the field agree that early detection increases our chances of survival.
I was thinking, if I don’t speak out, I’ll regret it on my death bed.” Dylan Farrow
candle lit for victims of violence
Dylan Farrow, 28, is the adopted daughter of Mia Farrow and Woody Allen. In 1992, at age 7, she accused Woody Allen of sexually abusing her. The ensuing custody battle case wound its way through the courts eventually giving Mia custody of the children and exonerating Mr. Allen of child molestation. Frank Maco, a Connecticut prosecutor on the case, admitted that there was enough evidence – “probable cause” – to charge Mr. Allen with molestation, but that he chose not to pursue it because he didn’t want to traumatize Dylan any further.
Nicolas Kristoff’s blog post: nytimes.com/ontheground prepares us for Dylan Farrow’s painful Open Letter about her molestation, as a child, at the hands of her dad, Film maker Woody Allen. He shares the back story of this family tragedy; including the fact that he reached out to Woody Allen for comments on both articles and to address Dylan’s 1992 allegations of abuse. Mr. Allen declined to comment. The question that kept coming up as I read both articles was: What Would I Do? What Would You Do?
That he got away with what he did to me haunted me as I grew up. I was stricken with guilt that I had allowed him to be near other little girls. I was terrified of being touched by men. I developed an eating disorder. I began cutting myself. Dylan Farrow via NYTimes
Reading Dylan Farrow’s Open Letter was quite upsetting. It broke my heart and left me wondering why our society won’t fully accept that, like the rest of us, celebrities have flaws; they have proclivities that are objectionable too. It took enormous courage for Dylan to step back into the limelight and write about an incredibly painful time in her life. Taking the time to craft a letter detailing memories of molestation is never easy. It demands a willingness to expose oneself to both criticism and care… this was not an easy feat for her.
What would I do? First of all, speaking up about the abuse takes courage and is a critical step to exposing the perpetrator(s). According to RAINN.Org (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), 60% of victims don’t file a report. It is important to let someone know. In Dylan’s case, she told her mother, Mia. It is also imperative to file a police report because the police will help document information needed for that first step to prosecution. Seeking legal counsel and definitely therapeutic care are necessary steps to ensure the offender is held accountable and the healing process can begin.
But sexual abuse claims against the powerful stall more easily. There were experts willing to attack my credibility. There were doctors willing to gaslight an abused child. Dylan Farrow via NYTimes
What can we do as parents? What can we do to protect our sons and daughters? I like RAINN’s five tips: Talk openly and build trust so they won’t need to hide information from you. Teach them safety rules and what’s unacceptable touching. Empower them to speak out and say NO to abuse. Implement safety guidelines and parental controls on the internet through the Google Family Safety Center and have regular discussions about online and offline safety with your kids. Educate yourself and your family about the warning signs of abuse and act quickly to stop it. If you’re a teacher, pay attention to your students and report your concerns to the authorities. Each of us can be an extra pair of eyes and help stop abuse.
RAINN’s statistics show that 2/3 of assaults are committed by people we know, and 38% of rapes by friends. The lingering pain that comes from such a betrayal of trust can be debilitating and, when we factor in a family member, the damage to the relationship can be permanent. Parents of young children must start early educating them about sexual abuse; especially about inappropriate touching. If you or your child has been victimized, don’t blame yourself for what happened. It’s not your fault. Report it to the authorities. Seek the support of trusted friends and family and the help of a skilled therapist; both are key steps to healing and full recovery. Healing will come with time…
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“That’s the biggest gap in sports, the difference between the winner and the loser of the Super Bowl.” John Madden
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MetLife Stadium for Superbowl XLVIII
1. It’s the first time it’s being played in NY/NJ area
2. It’s the first one played in an outdoor stadium in a cold weather city.
3. Of the 48 Super bowls played, it is the fifth time two teams with animal names have played each other; Seattle Seahawks(15-3) and Denver Broncos (15-3)
4. Peyton Manning set NFL record for most touch down passes thrown in a season.
5. Seattle Coach Pete Carroll is in his first Super Bowl as head coach and is coaching his third team (previously, New Englang and NY Jets). This is a first for him. Go Pete!
Every year there is a Super Bowl game, we get endless lists of stats and predictions. It’s the ultimate Americana experience and almost everyone joins the fun. if you are from the NY/NJ area, you know already that this is huge for us: a first time Superbowl location for us. I’ve added 10 things to know… Add your thoughts to my comments so I can share more facts to my list. What would you add?
