Breast Cancer in Other Countries

In the United States, the word "cancer" has lost much of its stigma that was once associated with it. Support groups, hope and funded research have created a new concept. However, in many countries where scientific research does not have the technology or money to keep up with first world medicine, education about cancer remains limited.

I found this recent article encouraging for the future of cancer patients in Haiti. Women fighting breast cancer have begun forming support groups in order to meet others in their position. Because many of the women disputed with loved ones, or even lost contact with their families, these groups help open the discussion and remove a stigma. This also helps to remove the idea that women do not have control over their own bodies; because so many women face criticism from loved ones for wanting surgery, support groups allow them to seek support or find alternatives.