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On cancer & terror

This is with reference to the speech by President Obama reported on May 14 and the letter by Dr.V. Shanta (May 15).

The word “cancer” is not an exclusive medical terminology unlike pneumonia, pancreatitis, hepatoma, meningitis, etc. It has different meanings in different contexts. There is a zodiac sign called “cancer” and nobody has raised any objection saying that it will make people of that sign panic. In medicine, the word “cancer” was adapted from “crab” since the malignant tumour invades the surrounding tissues like the legs of a crab. The word is also used to describe “an evil influence that affects a lot of people and is difficult to stop.” President Obama has used the word in such a context. One wonders how the speech can have a negative impact on cancer control activities if one understands the meaning of the word in different contexts. The apprehension expressed by Dr.Shanta is unfounded.

K.P. Jacob,

Thrissur

On the flip-side, such a comparison by President Obama may actually do some good by making people think on the prevention aspects of cancer. Just like terror, cancer has to be fought once it shows its presence and should not be given up.

G.R. Jagannadh,

Rochester, NY

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On cancer & terror

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