Fatalistic attitudes to cancer are acquired at an early age in life

“I will just die”

Many people when invited to discuss cancer and even avoid exposure, respond that death is unavoidable. They generally believe that no action can be taken to prevent death that arises due to cancer, such attitude must be addressed as it causes people to act with reckless abandon. And some even deliberately act in ways that are predisposing to cancer risk factors.

 

“Life is short”

Some people even argue that life is short and that they cannot change. This mentality if planted in the minds of children will continue to promote harmful lifestyles that involve alcohol use and abuse. At the same time, life is short also means that it should be enjoyed. Unfortunately, what some young people believe to be enjoyment is hazardous. Including alcohol abuse and tobacco smoking as well as overeating.

The notion that "life is short" is often used to justify immediate gratification and indulgence. While there is truth in the idea that life should be enjoyed, it's essential to foster a balanced perspective that considers both the present and the future. Encouraging this perspective is crucial, especially when it comes to influencing the choices and behaviors of young individuals.

 

When this mentality is ingrained in the minds of children, it can inadvertently contribute to the normalization of harmful behaviors, such as alcohol abuse and tobacco smoking. The belief that life is fleeting may lead some to adopt a careless attitude, engaging in activities that provide momentary pleasure but pose long-term health risks.

 

It is important to redefine the concept of enjoying life by emphasizing activities that contribute positively to well-being. Encouraging hobbies, sports, creative pursuits, and meaningful relationships can provide a more sustainable and fulfilling source of joy. By redirecting the focus towards activities that promote physical and mental health, society can reshape the narrative around enjoying life in a more wholesome manner.

 

Additionally, education plays a pivotal role in debunking misconceptions about what constitutes genuine enjoyment. Providing comprehensive information about the detrimental effects of alcohol abuse, tobacco smoking, and overeating can equip individuals with the knowledge needed to make informed choices about their lifestyles.

 

In parallel, fostering a culture that values mindfulness and moderation can help strike a balance between enjoying life and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Emphasizing the importance of making choices that contribute to a longer, more fulfilling life can counteract the negative consequences of the "life is short" mentality.

 

Ultimately, life's brevity should serve as a reminder to make meaningful and intentional choices, rather than an excuse for reckless behavior. By instilling a sense of responsibility and promoting well-informed decision-making, society can help individuals navigate the complexities of life in a way that maximizes both enjoyment and longevity.

“I can’t live forever”

This mentality is common in many low and middle-income countries. Studies have shown that there are many infectious diseases in LMICs leading to the high burden of disease. As such, due to the morbidity attributable to infectious diseases, many children are mentored to believe that they cannot live beyond a certain age. Consequently, such youth end up accepting a low quality of life. This not only amplifies the burden of disease but also compounds the dynamics and derivatives of poverty.

The pervasive belief that one cannot live forever, particularly prevalent in many low and middle-income countries (LMICs), is deeply rooted in the harsh reality of the high burden of infectious diseases. Studies have consistently revealed that these regions grapple with a multitude of infectious diseases, contributing significantly to the overall burden of disease. Unfortunately, this grim scenario often results in the mentoring of children and young individuals to accept a predetermined, limited lifespan, creating a cycle that adversely affects their outlook on life and well-being.

 

The prevalence of infectious diseases in LMICs not only leads to physical suffering and morbidity but also shapes a fatalistic mindset among the youth. The acceptance of a restricted life expectancy can result in these individuals settling for a diminished quality of life. This mindset, in turn, has profound consequences, as it perpetuates a cycle of low aspirations, limited access to education, and reduced opportunities for personal and societal advancement.

 

Moreover, the acceptance of a limited lifespan exacerbates the burden of disease within these communities. Individuals may be less inclined to adopt preventive measures, seek timely medical attention, or engage in health-promoting behaviors when they believe their time is inherently limited. This not only intensifies the impact of infectious diseases but also contributes to the perpetuation of poor health outcomes.

 

The intertwining of this fatalistic mentality with the dynamics of poverty creates a complex web of challenges. Accepting a short life expectancy can deter individuals from investing in long-term goals, including education and skill development. As a result, the perpetuation of poverty becomes entrenched, with limited opportunities for socioeconomic advancement and a continuous cycle of illness and hardship.

 

Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach. Initiatives focused on improving healthcare infrastructure, disease prevention, and access to education can disrupt the cycle of fatalism. Empowering communities with knowledge about preventive healthcare, instilling a sense of hope, and fostering resilience can collectively contribute to breaking the chains of limited expectations and the burden of infectious diseases in LMICs. By challenging the notion that life is inherently short, societies can work towards creating an environment where individuals can aspire to longer, healthier lives, thereby breaking the cycle of disease and poverty.

“Everyone will die”

‘Since others have died why should I bother to avoid cancer? After all, the carcinogens are plethoric’

This is one of the most fatalistic attitudes that children have embraced. With this nature of mentality, changing people's attitudes towards cancer risk factors is a daunting task. Education and awareness may impact such attitudes. However, due to an underdeveloped infrastructure for cancer education and health promotion, a deeper approach is necessary to combat this and several fatalistic attitudes.

 

The fatalistic attitude encapsulated by the notion of "Since others have died, why should I bother to avoid cancer? After all, the carcinogens are plethoric" represents a significant challenge in promoting preventive measures against cancer, especially among children. This defeatist mindset not only undermines efforts to raise awareness about cancer risk factors but also poses a formidable obstacle to instilling a sense of agency and responsibility regarding one's health.

 

Children exposed to this fatalistic perspective may internalize the belief that cancer is an inevitable fate, rendering preventive actions futile. The sheer abundance of carcinogens, as perceived by them, further contributes to a sense of helplessness, making it difficult to motivate behavioral changes that could reduce cancer risks.

 

While education and awareness campaigns are vital in combating such fatalistic attitudes, the underdeveloped infrastructure for cancer education and health promotion poses a considerable challenge. To address this issue more comprehensively, a deeper and more nuanced approach is required.

 

Firstly, efforts should be made to establish and strengthen educational programs that specifically target children and adolescents. Incorporating cancer education into school curricula and community outreach programs can provide a platform to debunk myths, clarify misconceptions, and empower young minds with knowledge about preventive measures.

 

Additionally, leveraging technology and innovative communication channels can help reach a wider audience. Educational campaigns through social media, interactive websites, and mobile applications can be effective tools in disseminating information and engaging with younger demographics on a platform they are familiar with.

 

Collaboration between healthcare professionals, educators, and community leaders is essential to create a holistic approach. Integrating cancer education into existing health systems, fostering partnerships with schools, and engaging local communities in health promotion initiatives can contribute to a more coordinated effort to combat fatalistic attitudes.

 

Moreover, promoting a positive narrative around cancer prevention is crucial. Highlighting stories of individuals who have successfully adopted healthier lifestyles and minimized their cancer risks can serve as powerful examples, challenging the fatalistic mindset and inspiring positive behavior change.

 

In summary, combating this group of fatalistic attitudes towards cancer risk factors requires a multifaceted approach. Beyond traditional education and awareness campaigns, there is a need for targeted, community-based initiatives, technological interventions, and positive storytelling to reshape perceptions and empower individuals, especially children, to take proactive steps toward a healthier future.

 

“Cancer is in our family, so I also have it!”

Children who go through life with is attitude have resigned their fate to cancer. In many settings, such children and young persons are reminded by their family members, and memoirs that they have a destiny with cancer. Information, education, and communication can impact such mentality. At the same time government policy on cancer care and management can contribute to the overall war on fatalistic attitudes towards cancer. It is noteworthy that fatalistic attitudes to cancer premature deaths as such individuals are reluctant to seek treatment early screening and accepting to receive palliative care.

The belief that "Cancer is in our family, so I also have it!" is a fatalistic attitude that significantly shapes the mindset of children and young individuals. This perception not only resigns them to a predetermined fate but also perpetuates a sense of inevitability regarding the onset of cancer. In many cases, family members and memoirs serve as constant reminders, reinforcing the notion that a destiny with cancer is unavoidable.

 

Addressing this fatalistic attitude is a complex challenge, but it is crucial for breaking the cycle of resigned fate and empowering individuals to take control of their health. Information, education, and communication play pivotal roles in reshaping this mindset. Implementing targeted educational programs that dispel myths, provide accurate information about genetic and lifestyle factors influencing cancer risk, and emphasize the importance of proactive health measures can be transformative.

 

Moreover, government policies on cancer care and management play a significant role in the broader effort to combat fatalistic attitudes. Investing in accessible and affordable healthcare, particularly in the context of cancer prevention, screening, and treatment, can encourage individuals to seek medical attention without succumbing to fatalism. Implementing policies that prioritize early detection through screening programs and removing barriers to healthcare access can contribute to reducing the burden of cancer-related deaths.

 

It is noteworthy that fatalistic attitudes towards cancer often result in delayed medical interventions. Individuals who believe they are destined to develop cancer may be reluctant to undergo early screening or seek treatment promptly. This reluctance can lead to missed opportunities for early detection and intervention when cancer is more manageable.

 

To address this, public health campaigns should emphasize the importance of early detection and highlight success stories of individuals who have overcome familial predispositions through proactive health measures. This positive reinforcement can counteract fatalistic attitudes, encouraging individuals to adopt a more proactive stance towards their health.

 

In conclusion, breaking the cycle of fatalistic attitudes towards cancer requires a comprehensive approach. Combining targeted education, community engagement, government policies that prioritize cancer care, and positive messaging can collectively contribute to empowering individuals to take charge of their health, seek timely medical interventions, and ultimately reduce the impact of cancer-related fatalities.

 

RECOMMENDED FURTHER READING

 [1] Niederdeppe Jeff and Gurmankin Andrea Levy. 2007. Fatalistic beliefs about cancer prevention and three prevention behaviors. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention 16: 998–1003. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

[2] Powe Barbara D. and Finnie Ramona. 2003. Cancer fatalism: The state of the science. Cancer Nursing 26: 454–467. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

[3] Wigfall Lisa T. and Friedman Daniela B.. 2016. Cancer information seeking and cancer-related health outcomes: A scoping review of the Health Information National Trends Survey literature. Journal of Health Communication 21: 989–1005. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

[4] Cohen Miri. 2013. Cancer fatalism: Attitudes toward screening and care In Psychological aspects of cancer, ed. Carr Brian I. and Steel Jennifer, 83–99. Boston MA: Springer Publications. [Google Scholar]

[5] Valera Pamela, Lian Zi, Brotzman Laura, and Reid Andrea. 2018. Fatalistic cancer beliefs and information seeking in formerly incarcerated african-american and hispanic men: Implications for cancer health communication and research. Health Communication 33: 576–84. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

[6] Ramondt Steven and Ramirez A. Susana. 2017. Fatalism and exposure to health information from the media: examining the evidence for causal influence. Annals of the International Communication Association 41: 298–320. [Google Scholar]

[7] Paige. Samantha R, Stellefson Michael, Krieger Janice L., Anderson-Lewis Charkarra, Cheong JeeWon, and Stopka Christine. 2018. Proposing a transactional model of electronic health (eHealth) literacy. Journal of Medical Internet Research 20: e10175. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

[8] Ramirez Artemio, Walther Joseph B., Burgoon Judee K., Sunnafrank Michael. 2002. Information-seeking strategies, uncertainty, and computer-mediated communication. Human Communication Research 28: 213–28. [Google Scholar]

[9] Kobayashi Lindsay C. and Smith Samuel G.. 2016. Cancer fatalism, literacy, and cancer information seeking in the American public. Health Education and Behavior 43: 461–70. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

[10] Arora Neeraj K., Hesse Bradford W., Rimer Barbara K., Viswanath K, Clayman Marla L., Croyle Robert T.. 2008. Frustrated and confused: The American public rates its cancer-related information-seeking experiences. Journal of General Internal Medicine 23: 223–228. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

[11] Befort Christie A., Nazir Niaman, Engelman Kimberly, Choi Won. 2013. Fatalistic cancer beliefs and information sources among rural and urban adults in the USA. Journal of Cancer Education 28: 521–526. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

[12] Anker Ashley E., Reinhart Amber Marie, and Feeley Thomas Hugh. 2011. Health information seeking: a review of measures and methods. Patient Education and Counseling 82: 346–54. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

[13] Chesser Amy K., Nikkie Keene Woods Kyle Smothers, and Rogers Nicole. 2016. Health literacy and older adults: A systematic review. Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine 2: 1–13. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

[14] Zahnd Whitney E., Scaife Steven L., and Francis Mark L.. 2009. Health literacy skills in rural and urban populations. American Journal of Health Behavior 33: 550–557. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

[15] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Behavioral risk factor surveillance system: Overview of BRFSS 2016. Https://WwwCdcGov/Brfss/Annual_data/2016/Pdf/Overview_2016Pdf.2017 https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db20.pdf. Accessed 29 July 2018.

[16] National Cancer Institute. Health information national trends survey. HINTS; https://hints.cancer.gov. Accessed 30 September 2019. [Google Scholar]

[17] Dimock Michael. 2019. Defining generations: Where Millennials end and Generation Z begins. Pew Research Center; https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/01/17/where-millennials-end-and-generation-z-begins/. Accessed 2 August 2019. [Google Scholar]

[18] National Cancer Institute. Rural-Urban Continuum Code - SEER Datasets. https://seer.cancer.gov/seerstat/variables/countyattribs/ruralurban.html. Accessed 2 August 2019.

[19] Paige Samantha R., Elizabeth Flood-Grady Janice L. Krieger, Stellefson Michael, and Miller M. David. Measuring health information seeking challenges in chronic disease: A psychometric analysis of a brief scale. Chronic Illness. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30889966. Accessed 8 April 2020. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

[20] Hayes Andrew F. 2017. Introduction to mediation, moderation, and conditional process analysis: A regression-based approach. New York: Guilford Press. [Google Scholar]

[21] Jones Christina L., Jensen Jakob D., Scherr Courtney L., Brown Natasha R., Christy Katheryn, Weaver Jeremy. 2015. The health belief model as an explanatory framework in communication research: Exploring parallel, serial, and moderated mediation. Health Communication 30: 566–76. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

[22] Jensen Jakob D., Carcioppolo Nick, King Andy J., Scherr Courtney L., Jones Christina L., and Niederdieppe Jeff. 2014. The cancer information overload (CIO) scale: Establishing predictive and discriminant validity. Patient Education and Counseling 94: 90–6. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

[23] Loiselle CG. 2019. Cancer information-seeking preferences linked to distinct patient experiences and differential satisfaction with cancer care. Patient Education and Counseling 102: 1187–93. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]