Health reform at the center of World Cancer Day
Calls for a “fundamental shift” in cancer care and reform of health systems are at the center of this year’s World Cancer Day.
The annual event, which is held on the 4th of February, is marking its 25th year with a new campaign, ‘United by Unique’.
The campaign is focusing on people-centered care, a new framework supported by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Ulrika Årehed Kågström, President of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), said: “By placing individuals and communities at the center of decisions, health systems become more effective.
“Every person touched by cancer is unique in their experiences and requirements. The cancer community is united in its determination to see improvements.”
People-centered-care includes providing community-based health programmes, tailored to local health issues in countries around the world.
Beatson Cancer Charity, based in Glasgow, provides similar care for those living with cancer in central and western Scotland.
Emma MacPherson, PR & communications officer for the charity, said: “cancer shouldn’t just have one day.
“One in two of us will have cancer in our lifetime, and we need to realise that it’s there every day for people in their lives.”
The ‘United by Unique’ campaign is set to run until 2027, and will also highlight existing issues and barriers in health systems.
