Nine goals as UICC commemorates World Cancer Day
World Cancer Day is commemorated on 4 February every year.Led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), the day aims to mobilise urgent action to improve cancer risk awareness as well as prevention, treatment and care services for all individuals, regardless of who they are and where they live.
As a recognised partner of the UICC and other global allies, the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) stands united in this mission to strengthen the fight against cancer, do better locally, and to contribute great outcomes for humanity.
To mark the third year of the “Close the Care Gap” campaign, which highlights the significant inequities that persist across the globe in the availability of and access to essential cancer services, UICC has released the World Cancer Day 2024 Equity Report. In the report, the UICC provides nine general recommendations to governments to bridge the cancer care gap.
“We reflect on these recommendations and take the call to arms personally in Namibia. What can WE do better to better help our patients and families afflicted by cancer? What can WE do better to help close the care gap in Namibia?” Rolf Hansen, Chief Executive Officer of the Cancer Association of Namibia said. To further mark the final year of this campaign, the UICC is mobilising a global call to action that echoes the sentiments and recommendations expressed in the World Cancer Day Equity Report.
Furthermore, the UICC encourages all health organisations and to sign the call to action, informing their respective health ministries of the need to close the care gap and recommended actions that can help do so.
1. Foster patient-centred care that acknowledges the unique needs of all patient populations, encouraging patient engagement in their care decisions.
2. Increase funding for cancer research and encourage collaboration between researchers, healthcare providers and community organisations to understand and address disparities.
3. Establish a population-based cancer registry to guide policy decisions and resource allocation and evaluate control strategies.
4. Implement an effective national cancer strategy based on an evidence-based assessment of the countrywide cancer burden, addressing financial hardship and barriers faced by underserved populations.
5. Incorporate comprehensive cancer services into national health benefit packages to achieve universal health coverage.
6. Enhance health literacy and education around cancer, using culturally appropriate materials and training for healthcare providers on effective patient communication.
7. Regulate the production, sales and marketing of carcinogenic products (tobacco, alcohol, ultra-processed foods) through increased taxation, marketing limitations, improved product labelling and public education campaigns. 30-50% of cancers can be prevented by acting on modifiable risk behaviours.
8. Implement routine screening programmes for common cancers, integrate them into existing healthcare programmes, and utilise telemedicine services and mobile units to reach remote populations. The earlier a cancer is detected, the more successfully it can be treated and cost less to the health system.
9. Address the systemic social determinants of health that impede an individual’s ability to access cancer care, tackling prejudices and assumptions based on diverse social markers.
“Together we CAN inspire hope, activate change and impact lives in Namibia,” Hansen concludes.