#WorldCancerDay #CloseTheCareGap
World Cancer Day is a crucial international awareness day on the global health calendar from the Paris Charter adopted at the World Summit Against Cancer in Paris on February 4th, 2000, uniting the world on February 4th each year to combat cancer collectively. This day is dedicated to saving millions of lives through education, research, public awareness, and global mobilization against cancer awareness, urging governments and individuals worldwide to take action. This day is also a reminder to prioritize cancer prevention, research, and equitable access to healthcare. To show your support, the official colors of World Cancer Day are blue and orange, symbolizing unity and hope.
What is Cancer?
Cancer is a large group of diseases that can start in almost any organ or tissue of the body when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably by going beyond their usual boundaries to invade adjoining parts of the body or spread to other organs. This process is called metastasizing and is a significant cause of death from cancer. [1] Although cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, between 30% and 50% of cancer deaths could be prevented by modifying or avoiding key risk factors and implementing existing evidence-based prevention strategies. [2]
Evolution of Hope
On a more positive note, there has been a 33% decline in cancer deaths as of 2020 due to reductions in smoking and advancements in treatment, as well as early detection against the four most common cancer types – lung, colorectal, breast, and prostate. [3] This decline translates into averting an estimated 3.8 million deaths from cancer due to the significant advances made across the clinical cancer care continuum, especially from August 1, 2022, to July 31, 2023, are 14 new anticancer therapeutics approved for use by the FDA increase the number of children and adults who live longer and fuller lives after a cancer diagnosis. [4]
One area in which progress is urgently needed is the establishment of population-based cancer registries in all countries because collecting high-quality cancer surveillance data is essential for developing effective national cancer control plans. Doing this and continuing to provide sustained, robust, and predictable increases in investments in the federal agencies will help the medical research community sustain the momentum of innovation and accelerate the progress against cancer to achieve the President’s Cancer Moonshot goal of reducing U.S. cancer death rate by 50 percent by the year 2047. [4]
Campaign’s Last Chapter
2024 is the final year of the three-year “Close the Care Gap” campaign for World Cancer Day. The long-term effort inspires positive change and keeps people engaged well after the initial event. A campaign that lasts for several years provides more chances for people to learn and get involved, spreading awareness globally and making a more significant impact. Let’s unite to make a difference in closing the gap in cancer care. [5] As last year was all about uniting together to take action and build stronger alliances with innovative new collaborations, this year is about how “together, we can challenge those in power,” ensuring our leaders know that we demand a commitment to prioritizing cancer, creating innovative strategies designed to confront inequity, and investing our resources to achieve a just and cancer-free world.
Supporting the Initiative
OriGen is joining the 2024 World Cancer Day campaign, highlighting the importance of accessible health services and fostering innovative collaborations. As a company, we are committed to inclusivity, taking pride in providing high-quality products that contribute to the global fight against cancer. Specifically, OriGen Biomedical offers a diverse range of products for cell culture and cryopreservation, specializing in treating blood cancers. Our PermaLife™ Cell Culture Bags ensure the protection, storage, and freezing of cells and tissues, while CryoPur™ DMSO cryopreservation solutions and accessories for fluid transfer simplify the cryopreservation process.
In the spirit of this global initiative, events are happening worldwide to raise awareness and funds for further research. To get involved, check with your local cancer treatment centers, add your voice to the call to action, or visit worldcancerday.org for more information. Together, let’s continue closing the care gap in the fight against cancer and make a positive impact on World Cancer Day and beyond.
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