World Cancer Day, Close the care gap

​DO YOU KNOW?"

1. 10 million people die from cancer​ every year.

2. At least one-third of common cancers are preventable.

3. Cancer is the second-leading cause of death worldwide.

4. 70% of cancer deaths occur in low-to-middle income countries.

5. Millions of lives could be saved by implementing appropriate resource strategies for prevention, early detection, and treatment each year.

6. The total annual economic cost of cancer is estimated at US$1.16 trillion.​

WHERE LIES THE GAP IN CANCER CARE?" 

Awareness 

1. Poor cancer awareness among the public

2. Suboptimal knowledge of diagnosis & follow-up at primary health care level 

Access 

1. Barriers to cancer care: Financial affordability, poor referral system, psychological factors

2. Premium cancer care centres are limited 

Expectations and treatment outcome

1. Patients and clinicians become realistic at times

2. Lack of interest in regular follow-up care

3. Overuse and misuse of medical resources and clinical guidelines

Others 

1. Inappropriate financial incentives in clinical research trials

2. Legal and regulatory challenges 

DO'S AND DON'TS IN CANCER CARE" 

We know most of these but seldom follow!

DO'S 

1. Eat Healthy

2. Weigh Healthy

3. Physical Activity

4. Timely Vaccines

5. Limit Alcohol

6. Regular Cancer Screenings

DON'TS 

1. Avoid Tobacco in any form

2. Avoid excessive sun exposure

3. Avoid radiation and environmental toxins

4. Avoid infections that contribute to cancer 

Ways to bridge the gap? It's simple: Early detection saves lives^ 

The cancer care gap is not inevitable. However, awareness of cancer and access to services is essential. 

SO LET US UNITE TO SPREAD AWARENESS BY 

1. Generating awareness in public about cancer prevention 

2. Equipping healthcare professionals with skills and knowledge 

3. Helping people to come out of the various addictions of narcotics 

4. Reducing environmental pollution in the locality 

5. ​Giving moral support to the persons living with cancer 

Cancer, if not diagnosed early, may become a Life-Threatening Disease. However, awareness is an essential step to reduce its impact and reduce the gap in cancer care. 

Sources:

https://www.worldcancerday.org/close-care-gap "

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK202475/ #

https://bit.ly/SIKIA ^​