Unite for World Cancer Awareness Day and Eradicate Disparities Worldwide
- Ronell Klingman
- Mar 18, 2024
- 2 min read
Cancer is a leading cause of death globally.
In 2020, nearly 10 million lives were claimed by this relentless disease, a number projected to soar to 16.3 million by 2040. The rise is fuelled by an aging population, evolving cancer risk factors, and an increasing prevalence, with new cases expected to surpass 30.2 million over the next two decades.
There are global disparities in cancer care
As the burden grows, so do disparities in accessing cancer services, survival rates, and the profound financial and social impacts on individuals, families, and communities. Addressing these inequities is a critical challenge for the global cancer community.
Notably, there's significant global diversity in cancer metrics based on social and economic development. Currently, half of all cases and over 58% of cancer deaths occur in Asia, home to nearly 60% of the global population. Europe, representing just 10% of the global population, accounts for almost one-fifth of cancer cases and deaths. These trends reflect disparities influenced by various factors, including socioeconomic development, culture, environment, and distribution of resources.
Disparities in cancer outcomes persist within nations, influenced by factors such as socioeconomic status, geography, age, gender, and cultural elements. A recent study on cancer in Scotland, for example, highlighted a 74% higher mortality rate in the most underprivileged communities compared to the least. These inequalities extend globally, evident in elevated mortality rates for specific cancers among indigenous populations in high-HDI countries such as Australia and New Zealand.
World Cancer Day, initiated by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), provides a platform to raise awareness, foster education, and press for action against this pervasive disease. The 3-year Close the Care Gap campaign aligns with Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing equity in cancer care.
The Close the Care Gap campaign seeks to inspire change and spur action. Together, we can bridge the care gap and strive for a world where quality cancer services are accessible to all.
To read more: https://lnkd.in/dX-CUXvA
