World Cancer Day takes place every year on 4 February under the theme: “We Can. I Can.” This theme unites the world in the on-going fight against cancer. World Cancer Day is an annual event that aims to reduce the number of preventable deaths, each year, by raising cancer awareness amongst the general public and pressing governments to take further action against the disease.
The global cancer epidemic is huge and is predicted to rise. Currently 8.2 million people die from cancer worldwide every year, out of which 4 million are premature deaths (aged 30 to 69 years). Locally, in Anguilla statistics reveal from 2010 – 2014 there were 73 deaths due to cancer.
Thus, there is an urgent need to raise awareness about the disease and to develop practical strategies to address the cancer burden. Global disparities in access to prevention, treatment and palliative care are growing exponentially. With the recent adoption of the UN Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs), we are entering a new era for global health. Now, more than ever, there is a need for a global commitment to help drive advancements in cancer and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly in low- and middle income countries which are tackling these epidemics with insufficient resources.
In addition, increasing awareness of signs and symptoms and the importance of timely treatment has been shown to improve survival from cancer. This is because finding cancer early most times makes it easier to treat or even cure.
Meanwhile, the support from friends, families, employers and colleagues can help a person living with cancer better adjust to the changes cancer brings and can help to improve their quality of life. For some people, support may be needed over many years after the initial diagnosis as they continue to live with the physical and emotional impacts of cancer even when treatment is finished. Giving hope and support to someone living with cancer can make a big difference to their lives.
On this World Cancer Day, 2016, let us work individually and collectively to reduce the risk of cancer in our lives and our community by personally deciding to stop smoking and working to improve our diet and inactive lifestyles. Persons needing assistance in these areas can contact the Anguilla Cancer Society and/or the Nutrition and Health Promotion Department. Let us all say: I Can, We Can!
Message from: The Anguilla Cancer Society &Nutrition and Health Promotion Department. Telephone: 497-2540
