World Cancer Day is commemorated on February 4, a day to remember why the fight against this disease is important.
A day that aims to raise awareness about this disease and promote its prevention, detection and treatment.
Cancer is a disease that affects millions of people and can have serious physical and emotional consequences for those who suffer from it.
For this reason, it is essential that the scientific community, affected patients and society work together to find a cure and improve the quality of life of those who suffer from it.
More than one third of cancer cases can be prevented. Another third can be cured if detected early and treated appropriately.
It is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of preventing the disease and to join global efforts to combat it.
This includes education about cancer risk factors, promotion of healthy lifestyles and preventive testing to detect the disease in its early stages.
Currently, more than half (65%) of cancer deaths occur in less developed regions of the world.
Even in high-income countries, inequalities exist among low-income, indigenous, immigrant, refugee, and rural communities.
Equitable access to cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care saves lives.
By increasing public literacy and understanding of diseases like cancer, we can reduce fear, dismantle myths and misunderstandings, and change behavior and attitudes.
World Cancer Day: Advances in Research and New Treatments
As a world leader in cancer research discovery and innovation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is committed to eliminating racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in cancer prevention, outcomes, care, and survivorship.
- Increasing research on cancer disparities.
- Increasing minority representation in clinical trials.
- Integrating research findings into clinical care and public health.
Some of the cancer disparities research initiatives led by Dana Farber include:
Cancer Care Equity Program
This program places Dana-Farber at the forefront of efforts to reduce disparities in cancer outcomes for historically underserved groups locally in Boston.
The primary goal is to facilitate clinical access to the spectrum of preventive medicine, treatment, and clinical trials.
In addition to enhancing and expanding Dana-Farber’s educational and outreach programs.
World Cancer Day: Initiative to Eliminate Disparities
This initiative connects institutions to advance and meet the goal of reducing cancer disparities in cancer prevention, outcomes, care and survivorship.
Center for Cancer Equity and Engagement
This center works to ensure that the work and research of the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center reduces the burden of cancer and inequity for all Massachusetts residents.
Visit Dana Farber’s table and learn more about its cancer prevention, research and treatment programs.
World Cancer Day is an opportunity to remember the importance of the fight against cancer.
It is also a good time to join global efforts to find a cure and improve the quality of life of those affected.
Sources: https://www.dana-farber.org/, https://www.cdc.gov/