BY: YASLEEN MULTANI
Every year there are millions of cancer cases and cancer-related deaths that occur worldwide. Cancer is a deadly and often uncontrollable disease, so cancer patients require a lot of medical attention and care. However, cancer is a vast disease that affects the human body in a multitude of ways, which is why not all aspects of cancer are known.
At the World Cancer Summit Against Cancer for the New Millenium, held in Paris, World Cancer Day was established on February 4th, 2000. Then, at the World Cancer Congress in Washington with the leadership of The Union of International Cancer Control, The World Cancer Declaration was officially launched in 2006. This declaration was created to provide a vision to the governments of the world to reduce the global cancer burden by promoting cancer equity and control in healthcare.
Led by the Union of International Cancer Control, World Cancer Day was created in order to educate individuals and spread awareness of cancer and encourage its prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The purpose of this international day is to come together to remember and honour everyone who is and has been affected by cancer, using this day to take action and make cancer care a priority.
With all the focus on COVID-19 and the pandemic, this day has become crucial to acknowledge. Since the start of the pandemic people who have been fighting against cancer have been experiencing delays in cancer diagnosis and treatment. This delay has caused a 10% increase in the risk of death by cancer. Cancer patients are also struggling with anxiety and isolation. Cancer does not stop being a life-threatening disease because of a pandemic, which is why on February 4th this year we need to spread awareness about cancer.
How can you make a difference this World Cancer Day? Well, you can start by being compassionate and supportive of those who have cancer. Whether it be a family member, relative, or friend, show that you care by engaging in some acts of kindness - sending them a gift, video calling them, and simply telling them how much they mean to you. You can also visit www.worldcancerday.org to learn more about cancer and ways you can be a part of the change.
On February 4th this year, the theme is “close the care gap” which strives to recognize and address the inequalities in cancer care. Whether it’s World Cancer day or not, just remember someone, somewhere is out there battling cancer. Putting in a little effort to acknowledge this day will spread awareness and opt for improved cancer care.