Today, 4th February represents World Cancer Day. The primary goal of World Cancer Day is to reduce cancer and disease deaths, as well as bring general awareness to an illness. 1 in 2 people will develop cancer at some point in their lives, and the majority of these individuals have been diagnosed over the age of 65.
This year’s theme for World Cancer Day 2022 is ‘Close the Care Gap’. The focus of this theme is to address the inequalities in cancer care, as individuals in specific socioeconomic groups have restrictions from having access to vital healthcare services and facilities. Income, education, geographical location, and discrimination based on ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, and lifestyle are just a few of the factors that can negatively affect care. When considering who is impacted by increased exposure to a host of other risk factors, such as smoking or an unhealthy diet, most disadvantaged groups are more in danger of these negative environmental factors.
You don’t have to be diagnosed with cancer or be impacted by the equity gap; however, someone you know might. It is almost guaranteed that the gap affects you or people in your community. The inequity gap isn’t fair! But that doesn’t mean that we can’t change this. By raising our voices and pressuring governments to address the root causes of these inequities and to treat cancer as an important health issue is the next step. Obstacles are made to be overcome.
If you or anyone you know is at risk of developing cancer or has any odd symptoms, don’t be afraid to make your doctors aware. Help control the impact of this disease as cancer kills 9.6 million people annually.
