World Cancer Day - February 4, 2023
World Cancer Day has become one of the most celebrated health awareness days worldwide. Observed on February 4th of each year, millions of people around the world unite to move closer to a world where no one dies from preventable cancer and where everyone has access to the cancer care they need.
This year marks the second year of the three-year “Close the Care Gap” campaign launched by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) centered on equity. This second year is about uniting individuals and organizations, advocates, and policymakers in calling for change and taking action. This observance is also about celebrating real-world progress, not just in innovation and medical advances but even the humblest of actions that can have a significant impact –motivating individuals such as neighbors to provide transport to cancer treatment for a patient, or ensuring that healthy and affordable food options are offered at local schools.
This day is an opportunity for all of us who care about people affected by cancer –whether ourselves or not –to come together.
Cancer: By the Numbers
- 10 million people died from cancer in 2020
- 70% of cancer deaths occur in low-to-middle income countries
- Less than 30% of low-income countries have cancer treatment services available (compared to 90% in high-income countries)
- For white women in the US, the five-year survival rate for cervical cancer is 71%. For black women, the rate is just 58%.
- In New Zealand, Maori are twice as likely to die from cancer as non-Maori.
- Cancer kills nearly 10 million people a year and some 70% of those are aged 65 or older, yet older populations face disproportionate barriers to effective treatment.
- In refugee populations, cancer is more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage, leading to worse outcomes.
- Up to 3.7 million lives could be saved each year through resource-appropriate strategies for prevention, early detection, and timely and quality treatment.
Healthy Living as a Fundamental Human Right
Cancer is a disease that can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. But not all populations are equally aware of cancer and its causes or have the same access to prevention and treatment services. In addition to factors like age and genetics, socioeconomic status can lead to disparities in the level of awareness about cancer.
The socioeconomic circumstances of a person can impact their risk of cancer, chances of survival, and quality of life. These factors result in inequities in health that must be addressed so that each of us can attain the highest possible standard of health.
Some populations may be at greater risk for developing cancer, including racial and ethnic minorities who experience higher rates of certain cancers than Caucasians do. Social norms and attitudes exert important influences on the way cancer is understood and lived, diagnosed, and treated.
These are just some of the barriers that stand in the way of cancer care:
- Gender norms and discrimination
- Barriers to minority populations
- Socioeconomic status
- The rural-urban divide
- Age discrimination
- Refugee status and forced displacement
- Homophobia, transphobia, and related discrimination
- Barriers to care for people with disabilities
But it is important to remember that these social determinants are not set in stone or predetermined –a person’s situation can be improved, their knowledge of cancer increased, and their access to services made easier. Outreach programs, education, and targeted investments in quality services can help overcome these disparities and address inequalities in healthcare provision and access.
Cancer is a complex disease: it has many causes and many different types. The same person may suffer from several forms at once, while others may never develop any form at all. It is important for health professionals to understand these complexities so they can provide appropriate care for each individual patient based on their specific needs.
Taking Action on World Cancer Day
Join the conversation
Start a conversation about cancer and the inequities in cancer care with your family, friends, colleagues, and networks. Spread the word on social media. The UICC has a Social Media Guide available here.
World Cancer Day 5k Challenge
Close a loop of 5 kilometers or miles by running, cycling, swimming, walking, hiking...you get the picture! Once you’ve completed the challenge, post your feat on the social media channel of your choice and nominate 5 of your friends to help spread the word. Check here for more information
Get personal
Create your own custom poster with your own personal message of commitment and share it with the world. Create your poster online at https://www.worldcancerday.org/custom-poster
Get informed
Understanding inequity is the first step. Commit to learning about the inequities and understand how the care gaps affect you, your family, or your community: https://www.worldcancerday.org/close-care-gap
Sources:
https://www.uicc.org/news/healthy-living-fundamental-human-right