SEC-S17W6 "Saving Humanity "

It pains me when people are suffering.

Saving humanity from the devastating effects of diseases is not something that has been a long-standing struggle. Throughout history, people have faced challenges that have threatened our existence. I don’t have to remind you that only a few years ago, we experienced COVID-19.

If I had the power to write a word on a whiteboard and then the opportunity to wipe it off with an eraser, it would be that dreadful “C” word, CANCER.

Every year, the 4th of February is World Cancer Day. This day aims to create awareness about this disease, educate people, and remind governments, NGOs, and people to take action.

If you have not paid attention to this day, I do hope the following facts will make you aware of the impact that cancer has on the world.

• Cancer is the second-most common cause of death
• Cancer causes 1 out of 5 deaths
• There were 9.7 million cancer-related deaths recorded in 2022
• In the same year, it is estimated that there were 20 million new cancer cases
• It is predicted that there will be a shocking increase of 77% in cancer cases in 2050

^{by WHO published on 1 February 2024}

We should not be fighting each other in war, but we should be standing together to fight diseases like cancer.

In my own country, South Africa, our government posted a cancer report on March 30, 2023, of statistics that were released in 2018. This is how serious they are about cancer. No wonder we see headlines like

“Health dying for treatment: The struggle for affordable breast cancer medicines in South Africa”
Read more

And


“Cancer services under threat in South Africa” and the story of Ziphora Tau one of many South Africans who are not receiving the treatment they desire to have.
Read more

Last month, protesters took to the streets in one of our provinces after it was discovered that the government did not use the funds that were allocated for the treatment of cancer. This left 3,000+ patients not receiving the required treatment that could save their lives.

The cherry on the cake for me is the affordability of cancer treatment. It is not cheap.

If you don’t have good medical aid, gap cover, or a cancer insurance policy, you will, unfortunately, be one of those who returns week after week to a government hospital with the hope that you will be next in line for treatment.

My cancer policy costs me +/- 368.92 STEEM every month. I have been paying for this for nearly twenty years.

At least I get tea when I go for my yearly mamogram test. Something you won't get at a government hospital.

I think that there is a stigma attached to the word “cancer.” If you are diagnosed with cancer, it is decided for you that you are going to die. How wrong! Is this how we save humanity? By prejudging?

I told you earlier that if I had the power to write a word on a whiteboard, it would be cancer. Well, on second thought, I won’t wipe it off with an eraser; no, I would wipe it off with a cloth drenched in alcohol to make sure that it doesn’t ever surface again.

Now let me get back to the pain I feel when I see people suffering. My heart breaks for them because I know it is a tight spot to be in… I was there.

Cancer has touched the lives of countless individuals, and through it, I have challenged my own strength. Yes, I am a breast cancer survivor, and I am so proud of it! I survived the verdict that “she is going to die.”

Even though I have been “cancer-free” for more than twenty years, it will be with me for the rest of my life. I have to go for screening every year and with that face those dreadful Mamagram screening machines.

But, this contest is not about me but about the lives of so many others.

The impact of cancer is truly devastating, and it's a harsh reality that so many people suffer and lose loved ones to this disease. I have lost an aunt and a mother-in-law to cancer.

My aunt was cooking in her kitchen when the light bulb burst. A piece of glass cut her in the neck, and she had to go to the doctor. It was not a deep cut, but it kept on bleeding. It was during her doctor's visit that a lump was discovered in her neck. Later, she was diagnosed with cancer. She received treatment, but within a period of six months, she just got worse, and in the end, cancer took her life.

As for my mother-in-law, it was a different story.

She was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. The success of any form of cancer treatment could not be guaranteed. Due to the cost and the severity, it was decided that she would not go for treatment. She suffered for more than a year. She could not eat, she could not drink, and she even tried to take her own life. What she went through is something that I would not wish on my worst enemy.
It was the first time in my life that I saw a family cry out of relief, not sadness.

This photo was taken with her grandchildren. Together, we will beat cancer! Unfortunately, that was not the case.

For me, it is so important to remember and honor those who have passed and to support those who are currently fighting their own battles. Despite the darkness that cancer brings, we can strive to bring light and hope to those affected by it.

All that is left is for me to answer one more question.
Do I think the world would be a much better place if that disease did not exist?

The resilience of the human spirit has always prevailed, but my answer is still A MILLION TIMES… YES.

As we embark on this journey to combat cancer and safeguard humanity, let us draw inspiration from the indomitable human spirit and work together to overcome this formidable foe until the day we can wipe it completely off Mother Earth.

I invite @ngoenyi @goodybest and @shiftitamannato to participate in this contest

Thank you to @max-pro @rosselena @waqarahmadshah @sduttaskitchen who invited me.

ACCOUNT SUMMARY:	16 May 2024
Club status	Club100
Transfer to vesting:	7,004.000 STEEM
Normal transfer:	73 STEEM (Competitions and charity)

Vote @pennsif.witness for growth across the Steemit platform through robust communication at all levels and targeted high yield developments with the resources available.