World Cancer Day
Cancer is a horrible disease. It can attack anyone, regardless of age, gender, lifestyle, ethnicity or whatever. Tremendous progress has been made in dealing with many forms of cancer (though in some cases the treatment can be quite hard), and research is ongoing in learning more about the various forms of the disease and identifying suitable treatments.
Today is a world-wide ‘day’ to acknowledge and think about cancer, research, treatment, care and public policy. (for further details see below) In Britain it is support by, among others, Cancer Research UK. Maybe today gives us another opportunity to remember people we know who have, or have had, cancer; to think of the support and care that they receive from family, friends, and those who work for organisations like the Beatson, hospices, Marie Curie and MacMillan; for those who raise funds for these charities; and those doing research or carrying out treatment
Lord, cancer is a horrible disease, that disrupts or destroys lives, and creates fear and anxiety. Thank you for those who are there to support and care for people living with it, for those who provide treatment, and those undertaking research. We remember too those in places where they do not have access to the healthcare available here
“World Cancer Day is an initiative of the Union for International Cancer Control www.uicc.org (UICC), the largest and oldest international cancer organisation dedicated to taking the lead in convening, capacity building and advocacy initiatives that unite the cancer community to reduce the global cancer burden, promote greater equity, and integrate cancer control into the world health and development agenda.
We believe that access to life-saving cancer diagnosis, treatment and care should be equal for all – no matter where you live, what your income, your ethnicity or gender.
We believe that governments must be accountable and national leadership on policies, legislations, investment and innovation is key to accelerated progress.
We believe that individuals, together can create change.
World Cancer Day was born on the 4 February 2000 at the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium in Paris. The Paris Charter aims to promote research, prevent cancer, improve patient services, raise awareness and mobilise the global community to make progress against cancer, and includes the adoption of World Cancer Day.“
