Today is World Cancer Day, and what an important day it is! An initiative developed by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), this year marks the 24th year of raising awareness of cancer globally. It’s also a day for a “cancer call to action” to stakeholders to work together to combat the 2nd leading cause of death worldwide. The focus for 2024 is on closing the cancer care gap. Sadly, many cancer patients across the world do not have access to some of the most basic and essential resources needed to fight their disease. These resources can include health information, diagnostic, treatment, and palliation. In fact, health literacy is often overlooked as a critical element not only for the treatment of cancer but for prevention. Did you know that simple lifestyle changes could prevent up to 50% of cancers? Healthy eating, reducing alcohol consumption, smoking cessation, and exercise all play an important role in reducing our cancer risk.
So, how can we close the cancer care gap together? Well, even the smallest of contributions can have a positive impact. Whether we post a comment on social media to raise awareness, join a call to action, support a cancer patient, or simply start a new exercise regime, we can make a difference! TGC is joining the call to action today, and we are committed to finding meaningful ways to close the gap each day.
#CloseTheCareGap | www.worldcancerday.org/close-care-gap
