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News-Medical has spoken with Cary Adams, CEO of the charity that helped launch World Cancer Day, on why cancer is still such a huge global problem and on the meaning of the slogan: I Am And I Will.
What is the magnitude of the global cancer problem?
Unfortunately, cancer remains one of the biggest public health problems facing our world today. Last year, an estimated 18.1 million new cases of cancer and 9.6 million cancer deaths, of which 70 percent in developing countries.
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At the current rate, the number of cancer deaths worldwide is expected to reach more than 13 million by 2030. This is simply unacceptable. We must continue to push for substantive changes at the global and national levels to dramatically reduce the burden of cancer in order to improve our future.
What are the main obstacles to early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer around the world?
Health systems and government authorities face significant barriers that prevent millions of people around the world from having access to effective prevention information, early diagnosis and better treatment. At the individual level, factors such as age, gender, socio-economic status and feelings of fear or shame may prevent a behavior from asking for help when a person may suspect cancer.
Health systems with limited access to pathology services and diagnostic technologies may also be at a disadvantage in the early diagnosis and treatment of cancer, particularly in low-income countries.
We also note inconsistencies between the ambitious commitments made by governments to fight cancer and the concrete measures put in place to put in place effective and resource-efficient policies to strengthen cancer prevention, improve screening rates and Early diagnosis and ensure the best possible performance. treatment and care.
Why did UICC decide to start a World Cancer Day?
When World Day Against Cancer was created at the World Cancer Summit in Paris on February 4, 2000, its goal was to provide a platform for researchers, health professionals, to patients, governments, businesses, individuals and the media to build an invincible alliance against cancer. and its biggest allies – fear, ignorance and complacency.
Today, World Cancer Day continues to unite the world to raise awareness and educate about cancer, inspire governments and empower people around the world to take action.
The theme for the next three World Cancer Days is I Am and I will do it. Can you explain the meaning of this message and how can people participate in the campaign?
The new theme of World Cancer Day is a call to action. "I am and I want" highlights each one of us, as well as our commitment and actions. As cancer affects us all, we also have the power to reduce its impact on ourselves, the people we love and the world.
Anyone can get involved by sharing their personal commitments on social networks, organizing an awareness event, writing a blog, illuminating an important historical site, or volunteering to translate material from the site. campaign.
Photographer | Shutterstock
What advice would you give to someone who has just been diagnosed with cancer?
People often feel a loss of control over their own lives when they are diagnosed with cancer. I would say that someone who has just been diagnosed with cancer should feel empowered to actively participate in decisions about their care and treatment. Many cancers can be managed and even cured, especially if they are screened and treated as soon as possible.
What projects will the UICC focus on after World Cancer Day?
We will seek to expand our Treatment for All advocacy campaign, which calls on governments to fulfill their commitments to reduce the burden of cancer by acting at the national level. We will also look forward to participating in the World Summit of Leaders on Cancer, to be held from 14 to 16 October 2019 in Kazakhstan, where the aim will be to better understand how cancer screening, treatment and care can be developed to match the global ambition of universality. health coverage.
Where can readers find more information?
You can find out more about UICC and our key events by visiting our website or to find out more about World Cancer Day, click here.
About 2019 World Cancer Day
World Cancer Day is held on February 4th of each year. It is the unifying global initiative that brings the world together to raise awareness of cancer in a positive and inspiring way. Under the leadership of the International Union Against Cancer (UICC), this day aims to save millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and educating about the disease, while calling for Governments and individuals around the world to act.
2019 will be the first year of the new three-year "I Am and I Want" campaign. The new theme is a call for personal commitment to empowering and represents the strength of our actions now to reduce the growing impact of cancer. This year follows the tremendous success of last year's campaign: nearly 1,000 events were organized in 130 countries, more than half a million tweets and more than 50 governments participated in 2018.
#WorldCancerDay #IAmAndIWill
About the International Union Against Cancer (UICC)
The Union for the Fight Against Cancer (UICC) is the largest and oldest international organization fighting cancer. Founded in Geneva in 1933, UICC has more than 1,100 members in 170 countries, has consultative status with the United Nations (ECOSOC) and maintains formal relations with the following institutions: WHO, IARC, IAEA, UNODC. UICC has more than 50 partners, including cancer badociations, businesses and foundations. UICC is a founding member of the NCD Alliance, McCabe Center and ICCP.
UICC's mission is to unite and help the cancer community reduce the global burden of cancer, promote greater equality and keep the fight against cancer a priority of the program for health and development. Its main areas of activity are the mobilization of world leaders for large-scale and innovative events and initiatives in the fight against cancer; capacity building to meet regional needs; and develop awareness campaigns.
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