Every year February 4th marks World Cancer day. Cancer is one of the world’s leading causes of death. We live in a time when astounding advancements have been made in our understanding of cancer. Unfortunately, majority of the world’s population still doesn’t have access to the full range of essential health services.
Care for cancer, like so many other diseases, reflects the inequalities and inequities of our world.Inequality in healthcare means when the resources are distributed unevenly; whereas Inequity means avoidable differences in care or outcome.
The most evident contrast is between high- and low-income countries. As per WHO, breast cancer survival five years after diagnosis now exceeds 80% in most high-income countries, compared with 66% in India and just 40% in South Africa.
Cancer diagnosis pushes families into poverty.The most disadvantaged groups are also more likely to have increased exposures to a host of risk factors, like tobacco, unhealthy diet or environmental hazards.
It is not an overstatement to say that gaps exist in every type of cancer and almost all aspects of cancer care, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment and ongoing psychosocial support.
A three year campaign on WORLD CANCER DAY is observed to build global awareness:
2022 – Realizing there is a problem
This was the year to listening, understanding and recognizing the inequities that exist. It’s about having an open mind to help reduce stigma
– Inequity costs lives and affects everyone in the community ultimately
– Income, education, location and discrimination based on ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability and lifestyle are just a few of the factors that can negatively affect care
– However, these barriers are not permanent
2023 – Uniting our voices and taking action
As the campaign continued, we joined with like-minded people because we know that we are stronger when we are united.
– Mobilize our friends, family, coworkers and communities
– Motivating neighbors to provide help to cancer patients undergoing treatment
– Ensuring patient education
2024 – Together, we challenge those in power
This year is about makingour leaders accountable by demanding a commitment to prioritizing cancer care.
– Implementing country-specific cancer prevention and control plans that address unique needs and resources
– Strengthening approach to screening tests and treatment availability
– Facilitating quality health services by scaling up National Cancer Centers
TAKE ACTION THIS YEAR!
Whether you are a cancer survivor, a caregiver, healthcare worker, teacher or student – You have the power as a responsible citizen to
– Educate yourself and others
– Initiate an event
– Be part of Social Change
– Spread the word on Social Media
– Influence people to take action
– Donate for the cause
– Make a statement by wearing& decorating colors of ORANGE and BLUE in your city.
(The author is the Chairperson of Orange City Hospital, Khamla Square, Nagpur)
