WorldCancerDay 2020 marksthe midway point of the 3-year ‘I Am and I Will’ campaign. ‘I Am and I Will’ is an empowering call-to-action urging for personal commitment and represents the power of individual action taken now to impact the future.
WorldCancerDay2020 is a campaign built to resonate, inspire change and mobilise action long after the day has passed. The campaign aims to save millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and education about cancer, and pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action against the disease.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, and is responsible for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018. Globally, about 1 in 6 deaths is due to cancer. Approximately 70% of deaths from cancer occur in low- and middle-income countries.
Cancer is a generic term for a large group of diseases that can affect any part of the body. Other terms used are malignant tumors and neoplasms. One defining feature of cancer is the rapid creation of abnormal cells that grow beyond their usual boundaries, and which can then invade adjoining parts of the body and spread to other organs, the latter process is referred to as metastasizing. Metastases are a major cause of death from cancer.
The goal of this day is to promote early detection, Screening and treatment.When identified early, cancer is more likely to respond to effective treatment and can result in a greater probability of surviving, less morbidity, and less expensive treatment. Significant improvements can be made in the lives of cancer patients by detecting cancer early and avoiding delays in care.Screening aims to identify individuals with abnormalities suggestive of a specific cancer or pre-cancer who have not developed any symptoms and refer them promptly for diagnosis and treatment.
A correct cancer diagnosis is essential for adequate and effective treatment because every cancer type requires a specific treatment regimen that encompasses one or more modalities such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Determining the goals of treatment and palliative care is an important first step, and health services should be integrated and people centered. The primary goal is generally to cure cancer or to considerably prolong life. Improving the patient’s quality of life is also an important goal. This can be achieved by supportive or palliative care and psychosocial support.
Join in the commitment to create a cancer free world by getting screened at a cancer screening centre close to you. You can also join the conversation across social media with the #WorldCancerDay2020
Lake Shore Cancer Centre, Lagos: 08099715000
Society of Oncology and Cancer Research of Nigeria, Ibadan: 234(027512634)
National Hospital, Abuja:Â 0803 580 8004
Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital, Port Harcourt
Muritala Muhammed Specialist Hospital, Kano: 0802 857 0304
Photo Credit: Getty
