essay writing cancer day

Essay on Cancer for Students and Children

500+ words essay on cancer.

Cancer might just be one of the most feared and dreaded diseases. Globally, cancer is responsible for the death of nearly 9.5 million people in 2018. It is the second leading cause of death as per the world health organization. As per studies, in India, we see 1300 deaths due to cancer every day. These statistics are truly astonishing and scary. In the recent few decades, the number of cancer has been increasingly on the rise. So let us take a look at the meaning, causes, and types of cancer in this essay on cancer.

Cancer comes in many forms and types. Cancer is the collective name given to the disease where certain cells of the person’s body start dividing continuously, refusing to stop. These extra cells form when none are needed and they spread into the surrounding tissues and can even form malignant tumors. Cells may break away from such tumors and go and form tumors in other places of the patient’s body.

Types of Cancers

As we know, cancer can actually affect any part or organ of the human body. We all have come across various types of cancer – lung, blood, pancreas, stomach, skin, and so many others. Biologically, however, cancer can be divided into five types specifically – carcinoma, sarcoma, melanoma, lymphoma, leukemia.

Among these, carcinomas are the most diagnosed type. These cancers originate in organs or glands such as lungs, stomach, pancreas, breast, etc. Leukemia is the cancer of the blood, and this does not form any tumors. Sarcomas start in the muscles, bones, tissues or other connective tissues of the body. Lymphomas are the cancer of the white blood cells, i.e. the lymphocytes. And finally, melanoma is when cancer arises in the pigment of the skin.

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Causes of Cancer

In most cases, we can never attribute the cause of any cancer to one single factor. The main thing that causes cancer is a substance we know as carcinogens. But how these develop or enters a person’s body will depend on many factors. We can divide the main factors into the following types – biological factors, physical factors, and lifestyle-related factors.

Biological factors involve internal factors such as age, gender, genes, hereditary factors, blood type, skin type, etc. Physical factors refer to environmental exposure of any king to say X-rays, gamma rays, etc. Ad finally lifestyle-related factors refer to substances that introduced carcinogens into our body. These include tobacco, UV radiation, alcohol. smoke, etc. Next, in this essay on cancer lets learn about how we can treat cancer.

Treatment of Cancer

Early diagnosis and immediate medical care in cancer are of utmost importance. When diagnosed in the early stages, then the treatment becomes easier and has more chances of success. The three most common treatment plans are either surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

If there is a benign tumor, then surgery is performed to remove the mass from the body, hence removing cancer from the body. In radiation therapy, we use radiation (rays) to specially target and kill the cancer cells. Chemotherapy is similar, where we inject the patient with drugs that target and kill the cancer cells. All treatment plans, however, have various side-effects. And aftercare is one of the most important aspects of cancer treatment.

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• Essay on World Cancer Day 2024 in English for Students

Essay on World Cancer Day 2024

Unlocking insights for students, this ' Essay on World Cancer Day 2024 ' provides a comprehensive understanding of the World Cancer Day theme 2024, 'Close the Care Gap.' Tailored for simplicity, students can freely utilize this essay whenever they seek to raise the significance of World Cancer Day . Let this essay be a helping hand in guiding students in raising awareness and having a united front against the challenges of cancer. Your words have the power to inspire change. Said that, let’s begin with the Essay on World Cancer Day 2024 !

What is Cancer?

Cancer is a bunch of diseases where cells in your body start growing in a weird way and can invade other parts of your body. This is different from non-spreading tumors .

Cancer cells can arise from any type of cell in the body. When cells become cancerous, they begin to divide uncontrollably, forming masses of tissue called tumors . These tumors can interfere with the normal functioning of organs and tissues .

Cancer is a big reason for deaths worldwide, but it's crucial to know that many cancers can be treated and even cured if found early. There are lots of types of cancer, each with its own causes, symptoms, and treatments. Remember, Early detection and treatment can dramatically improve the chances of a successful outcome.

World Cancer Day: Empowering Lives and Closing the Care Gap

World Cancer Day, celebrated annually on February 4th, is a crucial global initiative uniting people in the fight against cancer. This day serves as a reminder that together, we can make a difference. The theme for World Cancer Day 2024 is " Close the Care Gap ," highlighting the disparities in cancer care that exist worldwide.

Cancer is a tough challenge affecting millions of lives, but World Cancer Day empowers us to take control of our health and raise awareness. As students, you can play a crucial role by creating informative posters, organizing educational sessions, and discussing healthy living.

The history of World Cancer Day dates back to 2000, when it was established to promote awareness, education, and research in the battle against cancer. Over the years, it has grown into a global movement, bringing communities together to work towards a world where everyone has access to quality care.

The " Close the Care Gap " theme urges us to address inequalities in cancer care, emphasizing the importance of equal access to treatment. By understanding the significance of this day and actively participating, students can contribute to creating a future where the impact of cancer is minimized and lives are saved through awareness and support. Together, let's empower lives and close the care gap in the fight against cancer .

Current Global Cancer Scenario:

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) , cancer is a significant global health challenge. Millions of people worldwide are diagnosed with cancer each year. The WHO plays a crucial role in collecting data, conducting research, and providing guidance on cancer prevention and treatment . The global cancer scenario emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts to address this health concern on an international scale.

Technology in Cancer:

Technology plays a significant role in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Advanced imaging techniques, such as MRI and CT scans, aid in the early detection of tumors. Precision medicine uses genetic information to tailor treatment plans based on an individual's unique characteristics. Telemedicine facilitates remote consultations, allowing patients to connect with healthcare professionals easily. The integration of technology in cancer research accelerates the development of innovative therapies. Overall, technology enhances the effectiveness and accessibility of cancer care on a global scale.

Prevention in the Fight Against Cancer:

Prevention is a key aspect in the battle against cancer. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, can reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer . Vaccinations against infections linked to cancer, such as the human papillomavirus (HPV), are also important preventive measures. Education and awareness campaigns are essential to inform people about lifestyle choices that can contribute to cancer prevention.

Supporting Cancer Patients:

Supporting cancer patients is vital for their well-being. Emotional support from friends and family, along with access to counselling services, can help individuals cope with the challenges of cancer diagnosis and treatment . Support groups provide a sense of community and understanding among those facing similar experiences. Additionally, initiatives by healthcare organizations and charities contribute to improving the quality of life for cancer patients by offering resources, information, and assistance.

World Cancer Day , therefore, demands action. It demands that we call upon our leaders, policymakers, and healthcare systems to bridge these gaps. We need investments in public health infrastructure, accessible screening programs, and affordable treatment options. We need targeted interventions to address the specific needs of underserved communities, breaking down cultural and linguistic barriers that stand in the way of care.

This Essay on World Cancer Day 2024 serves as a powerful tool for students to comprehend, reflect, and advocate for a world where the impact of cancer is minimized. Its insights into the theme " Close the Care Gap " and narratives of resilience empower students to raise awareness. Feel free to utilize this essay whenever needed – in schools, colleges, or any platform. Let it be a catalyst for conversations, actions, and a collective commitment to building a future where cancer is conquerable. Together, as students, let's amplify the voice against cancer and inspire positive change.

FAQs on Essay on World Cancer Day 2024

1. Why is an essay on World Cancer Day 2024 important for students?

This essay provides valuable insights into the theme "Close the Care Gap," fostering awareness and empowering students to actively participate in the fight against cancer.

2. What key information does the essay cover about World Cancer Day 2024?

The essay delves into the significance of World Cancer Day, the theme for 2024, and how students can contribute to closing the care gap, and creating a comprehensive understanding.

3. How can students utilize the information from the essay on World Cancer Day 2024 in their schools or colleges?

Students can leverage the insights from the essay to spark discussions, raise awareness, and actively participate in World Cancer Day activities, contributing to a more informed and compassionate community.

4. Does the essay highlight any stories or examples of resilience in the face of cancer?

Yes, the essay includes narratives of resilience and survival, offering inspiring stories that can motivate and uplift students, showing that cancer is conquerable.

5. Can students share this essay on World Cancer Day with others, and how can it be used beyond World Cancer Day?

Absolutely, students are encouraged to share the essay widely. It serves as a resource for awareness not just on World Cancer Day but throughout the year, offering timeless insights into the ongoing fight against cancer.

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World Cancer Day

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• World Health Organisation - World Cancer Day
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - World Cancer Day
• Official Site of the World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day , annual observance held on February 4 that is intended to increase global awareness of cancer . World Cancer Day originated in 2000 at the first World Summit Against Cancer, which was held in Paris. At this meeting, leaders of government agencies and cancer organizations from around the world signed the Charter of Paris Against Cancer, a document containing 10 articles that outlined a cooperative global commitment to improving the quality of life of cancer patients and to the continued investment in and advancement of cancer research, prevention, and treatment. Article X of the charter formally declared February 4 as World Cancer Day “so that each year, the Charter of Paris will be in the hearts and minds of people around the world.”

Cancer awareness has become exceedingly important in the 21st century. While there have been numerous advancements in the understanding, diagnosis , and treatment of cancer—factors that should contribute to the decline of the disease—the number of new cancer cases diagnosed each year has globally continued to increase. There were 8.1 million new cases diagnosed in 1990, 10 million in 2000, 12.4 million in 2008, and 14.1 million in 2012. The number of annual deaths worldwide from cancer has also increased—from 5.2 million people in 1990 to 8.2 million people in 2012 to an estimated 9.6 million in 2018. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), if the incidence of cancer continues to grow at the reported rate, the number of deaths worldwide from cancer will increase to more than 16.3 million by 2040. However, also according to WHO, as many as 40 percent of deaths from cancer are preventable. As a result, raising awareness of cancer prevention has become a prominent goal of many cancer and health organizations around the world, and World Cancer Day has come to represent an annual reaffirmation of the importance of this goal.

The International Union Against Cancer (UICC), an organization dedicated to increasing global cancer awareness, coordinates World Cancer Day and is supported in this effort by WHO and other international organizations. World Cancer Day serves as a formal launching point for the declaration of new themes and the release of new publications for the UICC’s World Cancer Campaign, which functions throughout the year and strives to raise cancer awareness by forming partnerships with health and cancer institutions and by proposing educational activities and creating public service announcements. In honour of World Cancer Day, many health institutions and cancer centres make available on their Web sites various educational publications and materials about cancer and cancer prevention. In some places World Cancer Day is recognized with a parade or a local fund-raising event, such as a walk, a gala, a concert, or an auction. In addition, some countries air special television broadcasts or radio programs about cancer during the week in which World Cancer Day occurs.

Because more than 70 percent of deaths from cancer occur in economically less-developed countries, World Cancer Day and the World Cancer Campaign have become important mechanisms for drawing attention to cancer prevention and treatment in these countries. For example, in Nicaragua, where access to cancer treatment centres was severely limited, World Cancer Day 2007 marked the beginning of an international collaboration designed to improve cancer-care resources within the country.

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• Speech Writing /

World Cancer Day Speech in English for Students

• Updated on  
• Feb 5, 2024

World Cancer Day Speech: In the modern world, health problems have gained significant momentum, given our fast and unhealthy lifestyle. Doctors and medical professionals often tell us to take good care of our health, by eating a balanced diet, keeping ourselves hydrated, regular exercise, managing stress, etc. But did you know there is a large section of people who follow these practices but still fall victim to cancer?

Table of Contents

• 1 Why Do We Celebrate World Cancer Day?
• 2 2-Minute World Cancer Day Speech
• 3 10 Lines on World Cancer Day

Cancer is one of the largest health problems in the world, with around 1 crore (10 million) people annually dying due to this disease. The World Health Organisation has identified more than 200 types of cancers, popular ones being lung or breast cancer, prostate, pancreatic, cervical, colorectal, etc. 

World Cancer Day is annually celebrated on 4th February by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). The World Cancer Day objective is the raise cancer awareness and encourage, detection, prevention, and treatment. The World Cancer Day 2024 theme is ‘Close the Care Gap’.  Below we have discussed a World Cancer speech for school students.

Also Read: Essay on Health and Fitness for Students

‘Y ou never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.’ – Bob Marley

Why Do We Celebrate World Cancer Day?

World Cancer Day is observed to raise awareness about cancer and how to cure its different stages. Detection of early cancer can help its prevention and treatment. On World Cancer Day, that is, the 4th of February, doctors, and medical professionals organize events where they raise awareness about cancer, its detection, prevention, and treatment. 

Moreover, the Union for International Cancer Council (UICC) highlights certain other key issues related to cancer. These include:

• Equity in access to cancer care.
• Prevention and risk reduction.
• Awareness, understanding myths and misinformation.
• Government action and accountability
• Beyond physical: mental and emotional impact
• Saving lives saves money
• Reducing the skills gap
• Working together as one

Also Read: Essay on Health is Wealth

2-Minute World Cancer Day Speech

‘Good morning my friends and teacher (s). Today, I stand before you to present my ‘World Cancer Day Speech’. World Cancer Day is an important day in our calendar, as it raises awareness about one of the most prominent diseases; cancer. Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Cancer has 4 stages, starting from 1 to 4, which determine the severity of this disease.’

‘At present, Scientists and doctors have identified more than 200 types of cancers. But do you know there are some curable cancers? Cancers like thyroid, prostate, and testicular are all curable. The most dangerous ones are Lung and bronchial cancer, which cause a maximum number of deaths.’

‘Through World Cancer Day, we all can learn how early detection and prevention of cancer. We can learn what are the symptoms of cancer and what are the curable methods in the early stage. By becoming more knowledgeable about cancer, we can take precautionary measures.’

‘At age, we must take good care of our physical and mental well-being. Cancer is mostly prominent in middle-aged people. Age is considered as the biggest risk factor for cancer. More than 90% of cancer patients are aged 45 or above. As the number goes up, so does the number of cancer patients.’

‘Let me tell you something interesting. Cancer does not discriminate. It is the access to quality healthcare, early detection, and emotional support that can significantly help in its prevention. It requires collective responsibility from the patients, their families and friends, doctors and even governments.’

‘World Cancer Day reminds us to become aware of common cancer symptoms that must be detected and prevented early to stop or limit their spread. That’s why we must have regular medical check-ups and visit our doctors to know what’s going on inside our body and how well our organs are functioning.

Thank you.’

10 Lines on World Cancer Day

Here are 10 lines on World Cancer Day. Feel free to add them to your World Cancer Day Speech or any similar school topics.

• World Cancer Day is annually observed on 4th February
• World Cancer Day 2024 theme is ‘Closing the Care Gap’.
• WCD meetings are organized by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).
• World Cancer Day was started in 2000, and since then has grown into a positive movement.
• Fighting cancer is considered one of the greatest challenges in history.
• Treating cancer requires collective responsibility from the patient’s family, friends, and medical professionals.
• Cancer causes more deaths than HIV/ AIDs, Malaria, and Tuberculosis combined.
• In India, the India Cancer Research Consortium (ICRC) has been established to monitor cancer patients and raise awareness, about its early detection and prevention.
• Cancer is most prevalent in middle-aged and senior citizens.
• Equitable access to cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care can save lives.

Ans: ‘At present, Scientists and doctors have identified more than 200 types of cancers. But do you know there are some curable cancers? Cancers like thyroid, prostate, and testicular are all curable. The most dangerous ones are Lung and bronchial cancer, which causes a maximum number of deaths.’ ‘Through World Cancer Day, we all can learn how early detection and prevention of cancer. We can learn what are the symptoms of cancer and what are the curable methods in the early stage. By becoming more knowledgeable about cancer, we can take precautionary measures.’

Ans: World Cancer Day is annually observed on 4th February by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). 

Ans: World Cancer Day can raise awareness among students to learn more about cancer, its causes, prevention, and treatment. students can empower themselves and others to take proactive steps in prevention, early detection, and supporting those affected by the disease. WCD can encourage students to become advocates for cancer awareness and prevention.

Related Articles

This was all about the World Cancer Day speech. We hope we were able to provide you with all the necessary information you were looking for. For more information on such interesting speech topics for your school, visit our speech writing page and follow Leverage Edu .

Shiva Tyagi

With an experience of over a year, I've developed a passion for writing blogs on wide range of topics. I am mostly inspired from topics related to social and environmental fields, where you come up with a positive outcome.

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Explore  CRI’s 2023 Cancer Research Impact

Every year on February 4th, World Cancer Day galvanizes the global community to raise awareness, improve education, and ignite personal, collective, and government action in the fight against cancer. 

As we embrace this year’s theme, “Close the Care Gap,” we delve into the importance of this day, the progress made, and how each individual and organization can help create a world where millions of lives are saved, and access to cutting-edge cancer treatments is equitable for all — no matter who you are or where you live.

Understanding World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day is a global observance led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to highlight the urgent need to end the injustice of preventable inequities in cancer care. As a day of rallying international awareness, it represents a significant uniting force against a disease that knows no borders or socioeconomic distinctions. 

The day’s objective is clear: to save lives by educating the public, dispelling myths and misconceptions, and urging governments and individuals across the globe to take action against this deadly disease.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, with millions of new cases and deaths each year. It doesn’t just affect the individuals diagnosed, it ripples through families, communities, and entire nations. As we look towards the future, the predicted increase in cancer cases and deaths, especially in low- and middle-income countries, calls for an urgent response in cancer care, prevention, and research initiatives.

Transform the Landscape of Cancer Care

How World Cancer Day Makes a Difference

As we observe World Cancer Day, let’s remember that our actions—large or small—have the power to make a substantial impact. By educating ourselves, advocating for equal care, participating in community events, or simply starting a conversation about cancer, we are contributing to a movement that seeks to end the suffering caused by this disease. Let this day be a reminder of our collective strength and the progress we can achieve together.

• Sparking Global Conversations – World Cancer Day ignites dialogue, bringing together voices from all corners of the world to discuss prevention, treatment, and the future of cancer care. This collective conversation helps break down stigma, build understanding, and encourage support for cancer patients and survivors.
• Inspiring Action and Innovation – The observance acts as a catalyst for action, from fundraising for research to implementing community health initiatives. It’s a day that sees the launch of new platforms, technologies, and partnerships, all aimed at finding more effective ways to fight cancer.
• Mobilizing Resources – World Cancer Day is an opportunity to mobilize resources, whether through fundraising events or commitments to invest in health infrastructure. These resources are vital for supporting ongoing research, improving patient care, and expanding access to quality treatments.
• Educating and Empowering – The day serves as a platform to educate the public about cancer, including how to prevent it, the importance of early detection, and advancements in treatment. By empowering individuals, we can help them make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
• Celebrating Progress – While acknowledging the challenges ahead, World Cancer Day is also a moment to celebrate the progress made in cancer research and treatment. It’s a day to highlight the success stories, the lives saved, and the breakthroughs that have improved the quality of life for patients worldwide.
• Uniting Under a Common Goal – Perhaps most importantly, World Cancer Day brings people together with the common goal of a cancer-free future. It’s a unifying event that transcends geographical, cultural, and political boundaries, creating a powerful, collective force against cancer.

Closing the Care Gap 

This year’s theme, “Close the Care Gap,” is about understanding and recognizing the disparities in cancer care and the urgent need to address these inequities. It’s an acknowledgment that not everyone has the same access to prevention, treatment, and survivorship care, and a commitment to change that. This theme prompts us to look at the barriers that prevent individuals and communities from receiving the care they deserve and to work collaboratively toward removing these obstacles.

The care gap manifests in various forms, from geographic and socioeconomic barriers to differences in care due to race, gender, or age. Some people may not have access to early detection programs or advanced treatments due to where they live, while others might face stigmatization or lack of awareness that delays seeking treatment. Understanding these gaps is the first step in devising strategies to close them.

Take Action: Closing the Care Gap Requires a Multi-Faceted Approach

• Informing Scientific Discovery: CRI implements bioinformatics to join powerful data and innovative science to help propel future discoveries in cancer immunotherapy research. 
• Over Seven Decades of Improving Patient Outcomes: For 71 years, CRI has funded some of the best and brightest scientists that have spearheaded discovery and progress in excess of $515 M. 
• A Reputation of Trust : Independent auditors have given CRI sterling marks for transparency, fiscal responsibility, and good governance.
• A Global Scientific Blueprint: In 2023, CRI funded 73 new grantees at 41 institutions across 10 countries. 

Expanding the Mission and Impact

The Cancer Research Institute (CRI) stands at the forefront of this movement, using World Cancer Day to further its mission of pioneering breakthroughs in immunotherapy. Through innovative scientific research and patient education about immunotherapy and new cancer treatments, CRI contributes to the ever-growing compendium of knowledge that World Cancer Day spotlights.

As part of this international community, CRI recognizes the power of collective action. By joining forces with our scientists, partners, patients and caregivers, healthcare providers, and volunteers, CRI amplifies the message of World Cancer Day, reaching more people and communities. This collaboration not only increases health literacy but also accelerates the pace of innovation and the adoption of new treatments and cancer therapies. 

CRI continues to be inspired by the innovations and stories emerging from World Cancer Day. From cutting-edge research breakthroughs to the personal journeys of survivors and advocates, these narratives fuel the hope for a cancer-free future. CRI is committed to sharing these stories, fostering a community of support, and driving the conversation forward.

How You Can Participate

• Donate Now

• Explore CRI’s impact on cancer research

• Learn about Immunotherapy

• Watch CRI’s Patient Immunotherapy Summit 2023/2024

• Fundraise for CRI

• Find a clinical trial match

Engage and Share

Amplify the message and inspire others to join the cause. Use the official hashtag #WorldCancerDay , share your story, or post about how you’re making a difference. Every share counts in spreading awareness and building a community committed to fighting cancer. 

Join the Movement

This World Cancer Day, make a commitment to be part of a shared vision. By understanding the issues and working together towards equitable cancer care, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. The fight against cancer is ongoing. Staying informed about the latest research, treatment options, and prevention strategies is crucial. Follow organizations like CRI for up-to-date information and learn how you can continue to support their work all year round.

CRI invites you to join our efforts to transform the landscape of cancer care. By supporting research, advocating for patients, and spreading the message of World Cancer Day, we can work together toward a world immune to cancer. As we mark World Cancer Day, let’s recommit to our collective journey. Let’s create a legacy defined by our unwavering hope and the steps we take today toward creating a world immune to cancer and a healthier tomorrow. 

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A&S Magazine » Spring 2022 » Confronting Cancer through Creative Writing

Confronting Cancer through Creative Writing

Spring 2022

Every day in the United States, an average of 5,200 people receive the grim news of a cancer diagnosis, according to the American Cancer Society. Junior Joyce Ker can relate to the awful duress felt by patients and their families. She experienced it firsthand when doctors discovered her father’s lung cancer.  

To uplift patients with cancer like her father, Ker started a project called Dear Cancer. It seeks to help patients confront their new realities and express themselves through the process of creative writing.  

Too often, Ker says, society marginalizes patients with cancer. Instead, it focuses on the medical details of their disease and deems their personal experiences less essential or simply worthy of pity.  Ker hopes to help alleviate patients’ mental anguish by offering them a creative outlet.   

The ultimate goal is to make a difference in the illness experience of cancer patients. I hope Dear Cancer can make patients feel as if they are not alone, that they have the power to tell their stories on their own terms, and that their narratives matter.”  —Joyce Ker

The oldest form of healing

Backed by a Provost’s Undergraduate Research Award (PURA), Ker is developing a writing workshop tailored to patients with cancer. Participants will read and discuss pieces of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry, all touching on the journey that is cancer. Attendees will also compose and share their own creative works, giving voice and visibility to their unique experiences. Ker envisions the moderator-facilitated workshops taking place in person, as pandemic conditions permit. Or, as a remote or hybrid experience if more appropriate.  

“Storytelling is considered to be one of the oldest forms of healing,” Ker says.  

Ker has engaged in creative writing since high school. She received recognition through nominations for the Best New Poets anthology from the University of Virginia and for the Pushcart Prize, among other accolades. She is also a pre-med student and plans to attend medical school after graduation. Her choice of primary major—the interdisciplinary medicine, science, and the humanities major—further reflects the melding of fields that increasingly run parallel to each other.  

The first workshops

Ker is currently working on implementing the first workshop with a group of patients staying at the Hackerman-Patz Patient and Family Pavilion. The building provides short-term housing for Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center patients and caregivers.  

Ker hopes other medical institutions will adopt the Dear Cancer approach.  

“When you confront, grapple with, and explore experiences that have inflicted suffering, and in some sense irrevocably changed your life,” says Ker, “and then you write about it, it can be so empowering.” 

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World Cancer Day: Let’s Talk Openly About Cancer

Sterling Hill Health Communication Specialist Contractor Division of Cancer Prevention and Control

February 4 is World Cancer Day, when the world unites to raise awareness, improve education, and inspire action to reduce cancer. The observance is organized by the Union for International Cancer Control, which reminds us that “Talking openly about cancer and our experiences makes a huge difference in increasing understanding, overcoming stigma, and reducing fear.”

CDC’s Andrea Middlebrooks shares her story of overcoming breast cancer with help from her friends and family. Andrea is deputy chief of the Epidemiology and Applied Research Branch in CDC’s Division of Cancer Prevention and Control.

In January of 2012, Andrea noticed that the nipple on her right breast was starting to become inverted. She had a routine mammogram the next month. Afterward, her doctor called her back for another mammogram because she noticed something unusual on the first mammogram.

Although the doctor didn’t find cancer on the second mammogram, Andrea was worried. So, a month later, she made an appointment to see a breast specialist. The specialist did another test and told Andrea that cysts (fluid-filled sacs) were causing her symptoms. She drained fluid from several cysts and asked Andrea to come back for a checkup in 2 months.

When Andrea returned in June, her nipple looked the same. The doctor examined her breasts and said the tissue seemed thicker than normal. The doctor took a small sample of breast tissue (called a biopsy) to look at under a microscope. The doctor also ordered another test, called a positron emission tomography (PET) scan.

In July, Andrea was finally diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma, a type of breast cancer that begins in the glands that produce milk. “It took 7 months of testing and worry before I was diagnosed,” Andrea said.

“It Takes a Village”

Andrea’s husband, children, other family members, and friends helped her though cancer treatment. “The saying ‘it takes a village’ rang true as far as my support system,” she said.

Her coworkers at CDC were a huge part of her support system. “They very generously provided much-needed leave and set up a meal train that ensured my family didn’t go without a meal throughout the months when I went to surgery, chemo treatments, and radiation treatments,” Andrea explained. She is “forever grateful for the love and support.”

Be Proactive About Your Health

When reflecting on the ways her life changed when she was told she had cancer, Andrea said, “One of the main things I learned is that you must trust your gut. If I feel something is not right with my health, I don’t dismiss it.”

Andrea urges other women to continue to seek medical care until you find the answer. “If you don’t understand what is being explained to you, it is always okay to ask questions. I encountered many women during my chemo treatments that didn’t understand what was going on with their health or what to expect. Navigating this process can be hard. There is a huge need for advocates and volunteers to help patients navigate this process.”

3 comments on “World Cancer Day: Let’s Talk Openly About Cancer”

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THANK YOU for ALERTING US ALL ABOUT WORLD CANCER DAY !! Great strides have been made in the FIGHT AGAINST CANCER & AWARENESS CONTINUES TO GROW. I am HONORED to support OUR AWARD WINNING PURPLE STARS of LAKE ASHTON & the AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY . Let us all press forward our efforts to find a cure for any & all cancers. Many BLESSINGS go out to survivors & their family. 2020 was horrendous….PRAYERS that 2021 BRINGS A CURE !! FIGHT ON.

Great articles like this are vital because cancer is so real. Thanks for helping raise awareness about all kinds of cancer.

Your message is so important. Thank you for speaking up!

In June 2021, I lost my beloved wife to hereditary cancer because nobody talked openly about the family’s devastating cancer history and a germline BRCA2 mutation. Genetic testing and prophylactic surgery would have saved her life, but nobody spoke up when it mattered most.

Please keep speaking up about being open and proactive!

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Speech on World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day is a global event observed every year on February 4. It’s a day dedicated to raising awareness about cancer and encouraging its prevention, detection, and treatment.

You might have heard about this day. It’s important because it helps people learn and understand more about this disease. World Cancer Day aims to save millions of preventable deaths each year.

1-minute Speech on World Cancer Day

Greetings, everyone!

Today we gather to speak about World Cancer Day. This day is like a loud alarm clock. It wakes us up every year on February 4th, saying, “Cancer is real. Let’s fight it together.”

Cancer is a tough word. A word no one likes to hear. It’s a disease that can hit anyone, at any age. Children, parents, friends – no one is safe. But don’t let this scary truth make you afraid. Remember, fear won’t help, but knowledge will.

World Cancer Day helps us learn about cancer. It teaches us what cancer is, how it starts and how it spreads. It’s like a big classroom, where we all become students for a day. And our only homework is to share what we learn with others.

This day also reminds us about the heroes battling cancer. Let’s cheer for them. Let’s stand by them. They are not alone, they have us. And we, together, are stronger than cancer.

Lastly, World Cancer Day is a promise. A promise to keep learning, keep acting, and keep supporting. A promise to win the fight against cancer.

So, let’s mark World Cancer Day not just on our calendars, but in our hearts too. Let’s turn fear into strength, and tears into smiles. Let’s beat cancer, together!

Also check:

2-minute Speech on World Cancer Day

Today, we gather to talk about a topic that touches us all – World Cancer Day. This day, the 4th of February, shines a light on a disease that many people fear. You might hear the word ‘cancer’ and feel scared or confused. But today, we want to talk about hope, bravery, and the fight against cancer.

Cancer is a disease that can hurt any part of your body. It is like a bad weed that grows where it should not. It can make people very sick. But we are not here to feel scared. We are here to fight back. There are many smart doctors and scientists around the world who are working hard to find ways to stop cancer. They are like our superheroes, fighting the bad guy every day.

World Cancer Day is a day to remember these superheroes. It is a day to say thank you for their hard work. But it is also a day for each one of us to become a superhero. How can we do that? We can learn about cancer. We can talk to our friends and family about it. We can help people who are fighting cancer to feel strong and loved.

Did you know that many cancers can be stopped before they start? Yes, it’s true! By living healthy lives, eating good food, playing a lot, and not smoking, we can keep our bodies strong and safe from cancer. This is something we all can do, no matter how young or old we are.

To end my speech, I want you all to remember this: Cancer is a big word, yes. It can be scary, yes. But we are bigger, and we are stronger. Together, we can fight cancer and win. We can make a world where cancer is no longer something to fear. Let’s use this World Cancer Day to start our fight. Let’s be brave, let’s be strong, and let’s stand together against cancer.

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Join us 4 Feb

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Close The  Care Gap

The reality today is that who you are and where you live could mean the difference between life and death.

It isn’t fair. But we can change this.

Closing the gap in cancer care 

Half the world’s population lacks access to the full range of essential health services . When it comes to cancer, many of us are denied basic care, despite the fact  that we live in a time of awe-inspiring advancements in cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. 

This is the equity gap – and it’s costing lives.  People who seek cancer care hit barriers at every turn. Income, education, geographical location and discrimination based on ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability and lifestyle are just a few of the factors that can negatively affect care. The most disadvantaged groups are also more likely to have increased exposures to a host of other risk factors, like tobacco, unhealthy diet or environmental hazards.  

The gap affects everyone.  You might feel like the equity gap doesn’t impact you personally, but it likely does affect someone you know. While it’s more pronounced in low- and middle-income countries, well-resourced countries show dramatic disparities too. It’s almost guaranteed that the gap affects you or people in your community. 

We can close the gap . The reality today is that who you are and where you live could mean the difference between life and death. It isn’t fair. But we can change this. 

This year, add your voice to the effort and ask your representative to close the care gap .  

Is  inequity the same thing as inequality? 

In healthcare, inequality refers to the uneven distribution of resources. By contrast,  inequity means unjust, avoidable differences in care or outcomes. 

The difference may seem subtle, but closing the cancer care gap isn’t really about simply providing everyone with equal resources. One size doesn’t fit all, and every challenge demands a different solution. Equity is about giving everyone what they need to offer them the chance to enjoy similar outcomes.

It's about me and you; it's about everyone 

The equity gap is a reality for all countries everywhere, high- and low-income alike, and negatively affects people from all walks of life.  

For white women in the US,  the five-year survival rate for cervical cancer  is 71%. For black women, the rate is just 58%. 

In New Zealand , Māori are twice as likely to die from cancer as non-Māori. 

Childhood cancer survival rates   are over 80% in high-income countries but as low as 20% in low-income countries. 

More than 90% of cervical cancer mortality  occurs in low- and middle-income countries . 

Cancer kills nearly 10 million people a year and some 70% of those are aged 65 or older, yet  older populations face disproportionate barriers to effective treatment . 

In refugee populations , cancer is more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage, leading to worse outcomes. 

Due in part to discrimination from healthcare practitioners,  cancer screening among transgender people is lower  than in the rest of the population. 

There are notable differences in cancer-related outcomes for rural and nonrural patients,  even in high-income settings such as the US . 

Progress points to a better future 

Where there is progress, there is hope. When people unite, when communities rally around the vulnerable and when individuals innovate and collaborate across borders, change is within reach. 

Here are some examples that offer hope. 

• In Nigeria , the Sebeccly Cancer Care and Support Centre  helped patients navigate and access earlier cancer diagnosis and treatment  with the launch of the digital tool Oncopadi.  
• In Canada , several organisations collaborated across sectors on  a series of measures aimed at closing the gap   in healthcare for indigenous populations.  
• Around the world ,  governments raised USD 8.817 billion in 2021 for Gavi , a global health partnership, to provide 84 million girls in low-resourced regions with HPV vaccinations to protect them from  cervical cancer . 
• A new global initiative, t he Access to Oncology Medicines (ATOM) Coalition , was established by the Union for International Cancer Control and its partners to improve access to essential cancer medicines in low- and lower middle-income countries, as well as to increase the capacity for diagnosing and for the proper handling and supply monitoring of these medicines.
• Progress can take many forms , whether it’s a new partnership for delivering better screening services to rural communities or a neighbourhood banding together to provide transport to cancer treatment for a fellow resident. Many equity gaps and injustices remain, but they can be solved with innovative ideas and actions if we work together. 

World Cancer Day Equity Report

In a new report published in February 2023, present and past members of the UICC Board of Directors write about the disparities in cancer care in their respective countries and regions, and what is being done to close the care gap.

Download the report (PDF)

What does an equitable world look like?

We will achieve health equity when every person has the opportunity to reach his or her full health potential  without barriers or limitations created by social position or other socially or commercially determined circumstances. 

The goal is simple: health equity now 

The cancer care gap is not inevitable. Our systems can be reimagined, a person’s situation can be improved, their knowledge about cancer can be increased and their access to services made easier. 

Collectively, we can reduce inequity by: 

educating the public about cancer prevention; 

equipping healthcare professionals with skills and knowledge including about how inequity influences cancer care; 

strengthening primary health care delivered in communities;  

addressing through policy and programmes some of the social and economic factors that can negatively affect people’s health;  

increasing the resources – meaning both money and people – dedicated to cancer research, and tracking the burden of cancer nationally to more effectively shape our investments; 

implementing country-specific cancer prevention and control plans that address each country’s unique needs and resources.   

As individuals, we have an important role to play too.  How? By raising our voices and pressure governments to address the root causes of these inequities and to treat cancer as an important health issue, and by challenging – directly, vocally and unwaveringly – stigma and discrimination in all its forms. 

Inside the equity gap: 8  barriers that stand in the way of cancer care

Where you live. Who you are. Where you come from. What you do. Who you love. These are called the social determinants of health, and they represent the many factors that can unfairly stand between you and cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. 

1. Gender norms and discrimination  

Around the world, women and girls suffer from discrimination as a result of misogyny, stereotypes and expected gender roles .   Certain cultural and religious contexts may further limit access to timely cancer care. Stigma and ostracisation surrounding cervical and breast cancers can make women reluctant to seek cancer screening. In some parts of the world, a woman may need tacit approval or explicit permission from the male head of household to visit a doctor. 

Men also face the negative effects of gender discrimination and societal and cultural taboos.   Social norms surrounding masculinity may make them less willing to discuss health concerns and consider certain life-saving procedures, such as surgery for early-stage prostate cancer, out of concern for the possible side effects, which can include incontinence or impotence.  

2. Barriers for minority populations 

Racism has a profound effect on a person’s ability to access cancer care and minority populations often face serious barriers in accessing their countries’ basic health services. 

For example, indigenous people living in over 90 countries represent 6% of the world population but account for  15% of the extreme poor . Indigenous people face  worse health and poorer outcomes . These factors, combined with systemic discrimination, human rights abuses, language and cultural differences and many other factors, are worsened by a higher exposure to poor nutrition, substance abuse and other behaviours that constitute high-risk factors for cancer. 

3. Poverty and socioeconomic status 

Poverty seriously limits access to quality cancer care.  In high- and lower-income countries alike, lower socioeconomic status means less access. Countless obstacles tied to one’s financial means include transport to hospital from remote locations, inability to take time off work or find childcare to accommodate screening or treatment and a lack of health insurance or other financial means to manage the high monetary cost of care.  

Regardless of where you live, if you are diagnosed with advanced cancer and are a low-income patient, have primary education only or lack health insurance, you are   more likely to experience financial catastrophe or die within 12 months of a cancer diagnosis .  

4. The rural-urban divide  

People living in rural areas face many obstacles standing between them and their chances of surviving cancer.  A lack of prevention, screening and treatment services likely means travelling long distances to access the necessary resources. The financial burden of this travel, alongside the need to secure childcare and time off work, can be insurmountable. 

As a result,  where  you live too often determines  if  you live. Rural patients are frequently diagnosed at later stages and are less likely to receive appropriate treatment, receive follow-up or supportive services or be included in clinical trials that may represent their best chance at survival. These challenges can lead to interrupted treatment, and these barriers are compounded by the significant overlap between rural and indigenous, lower-income and older populations. 

How old you are shouldn’t decide the quality of cancer care you receive, yet this is the reality for many.  Cancer can develop at any age, but the risk of that happening rises dramatically with age. In fact, more than half of people who have cancer are 65 or older. Because early cancer symptoms can be mistaken for everyday pain or minor illnesses associated with old age,  many cancers in older patients are diagnosed later. This is exacerbated by a lack of programmes and services designed to respond to the needs of older adults. Also, while more older people are diagnosed with cancer than younger people, older patients are vastly underrepresented in the research that sets the standards for cancer treatments. Ageism that pervades cultures and institutions is one major contributing factor to these imbalances. 

Cancer and ageing

Studies highlight how older populations are denied equitable cancer care 1 , 2 , 3 .

A high proportion of older women with a particular form of breast cancer receive less chemotherapy than their younger counterparts – despite evidence of the treatment's efficacy. 

More than 70% of deaths caused by prostate cancer occur in men aged over 75, who usually have a more aggressive disease. Few older patients, however, receive treatment for localised prostate cancer, and in most cases they are denied access to chemotherapy for advanced disease. 

Colorectal cancer is another disease disproportionately affecting older people, yet the evidence suggests that optimal treatment is not being provided to older patients. 

​​​ 6. Refugee status and forced displacement 

In countries facing political, financial and social instability – from war, social upheaval or natural disaster – cancer organisations must deal with harrowing shortages of resources or even a complete breakdown in basic health services . The majority of people with advanced stage cancer in war-affected areas, for instance, are simply unable to get appropriate care, as regions become inaccessible, hospitals and health centres are damaged or destroyed and health workers are injured, killed or displaced.

Beyond this, cancer patients in conflict and post-conflict areas, as well as refugees fleeing these regions, experience a unique set of obstacles, including emotional or physical trauma, limited financial resources and language or cultural barriers that can dramatically impact access to effective cancer care. 

7. Homophobia, transphobia  and related discrimination 

Around the world, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) people face hostility and discrimination by the people around them.  They are also more likely to face ignorance or outright prejudice from health practitioners. Furthermore, fear of poor treatment by the medical establishment understandably drives many people away from timely and effective cancer care. 

Such discrimination takes an insidious toll and can lead to behaviours known to increase cancer risk – such as drinking, smoking or illicit drug use – as people seek ways to self-medicate and cope with a world that is far too often hostile to one’s very existence.  

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34043411/ 2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29925401/ 3. https://www.bmj.com/content/348/bmj.g1614

8. Barriers for care for people with disabilities

There are more than one billion people with disabilities globally , many of whom face systemic discrimination in health care, leading to worse outcomes particularly concerning cancer diagnosis and care .

Not only do people with disabilities require medical care specifically for their impairment, they also need general healthcare including services related to cancer prevention, detection, treatment and care. 1

This is where people with disabilities face discrimination in the system and barriers to accessing services and receiving care, in addition to financial challenges.  

These barriers generally relate to attitudes, beliefs and behaviours (attitudinal barriers) on behalf of caregivers; organisational or communication factors, such as information, prescriptions and other services not adapted for people with hearing or vision impairment; and physical barriers that include transportation difficulties, medical equipment that is inaccessible for people due to height or physical impairment, lack of amenities or accessible passages and rooms to accommodate people in wheelchairs or with other disabilities.  

For these reasons, people with disabilities are less likely to receive preventative care – for cancer and other non-communicable diseases. They are therefore more likely to suffer from obesity and cardiovascular disease. According to WHO, people with disabilities are three times more likely to be denied health care, four times more likely to be treated badly in the health system and 50% more likely to suffer extreme financial hardship.  

For more information about the barriers that exist for people with disabilities in accessing health services and how these challenges can be addressed, read the article “Greater access to health services for people with disabilities”.

Understanding inequity is the first step 

Inequity is everywhere. These seven factors represent just a few of the ways that people all over the world, from all walks of life, are deprived of cancer care. The truth is that no list could be exhaustive – there are countless unjust barriers to accessing quality cancer care, and many of these prejudices are deeply ingrained in our cultures and healthcare systems. 

But obstacles are made to be overcome .   There is hope.  The first step is recognising inequity when we see it. Only then can we begin to challenge our own assumptions and biases, listen to the perspectives of people living with cancer and fight to close these gaps once and for all. 

World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day is the one singular initiative under which the entire world can unite together in the fight against the global cancer epidemic. It takes place every year on 4 February.

World Cancer Day aims to prevent millions of deaths each year by raising awareness about cancer, and pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action against the disease.

UICC continues to expand on the success and impact of the day and is committed to ensuring that year-on-year the event is seen and heard by more people around the world. UICC does this by developping a campaign that serves the different organisational priorities of its members worldwide. 

• UICC offers tools and guidance to encourage its member organisations to run local cancer awareness campaigns that are aligned and adapted to the global World Cancer Day message.
• On an above-country level, UICC works to seize digital, traditional and social media opportunities to raise public awareness of the day. 

Through the continued support of members and key partners, World Cancer Day has firmly cemented itself in calendars across the world. World Cancer Day is more than a day on the calendar. That’s why our campaign is built to inspire change and mobilise action long after the day itself. A multi-year campaign means more exposure and engagement, more opportunities to build global awareness and ultimately more impact.  The theme for World Cancer Day 2022-2024 is  Close the Care Gap . We know that every single one of us has the ability to make a difference, large or small, and that together we can make real progress in reducing the global impact of cancer.

Read the World Cancer Day 2024 Impact Report

Explore more

The reality today is that who you are and where you live could mean the difference between life and death. It isn’t fair. But we can change this.

Put simply, cancer is one of the world’s leading killers.This year alone, nearly 9.6 million people will die of cancer, and left unchecked, the number of deaths will increase to 13.2 million per year by 2030. 

159 days until

World Cancer Day 2025

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Quotes from Cancer Unwrapped Teen Writing Contest Winners

What essay winners are saying about the importance of the cancer unwrapped contest:.

“ While writing this essay I was able to express a lot of the feelings and experiences I had throughout treatment and the years after. Cancer was a major part of my life and being able to talk about it in a good light was important to me. I think that this essay worked both to reveal to myself that an experience like cancer isn’t always a complete setback.”

“ I’ve been writing this essay in my head long before I learned about the scholarship. Translating it to key strokes was harder than I ever imagined. I chose to relive and write about those first moments when I learned about Mom’s stage 4 diagnosis. It was life-shattering, but she was never shattered, even when she was in a wheelchair or Dad had to carry her. I think that few kids are right there in the moment when a parent learns they are sick. I wanted to share that experience. Looking back, I can’t believe she didn’t cry and break down. I know since that day both of my parents have wept fiercely thinking we were going to lose her. Depending on the day, I still have mixed reactions to the thought. Emotions are never a straight line. When you are one of the lucky ones to be moving forward, every day is different.”

“ While writing my essay it was definitely hard. After going through such a hard journey it was difficult writing about it knowing how much stress and self damage it has caused me. On the other hand it was relieving, being able to have the opportunity to let other people know my story and how much I’ve done that makes me who I am today.”

“It was very hard to describe over seven years of my life through some plain black text. It scared me that people wouldn’t understand the story properly or that my journey wouldn’t come across in the way that I imagined. Though it was a bit terrifying it was actually quite therapeutic. I never had to write down my story for anyone before. I’ve never even had to tell it. Even if this doesn’t do my whole story justice it does me justice and I’m happy with it.”

“This contest is a way to pour our your heart and soul regarding one’s experience with cancer. Additionally, it’s. agreat way to hear stories from other winners who have had similar experiences. This contest makes sure that as teenagers, our voices are heard.”

“Writing this essay made me relive many moments I didn’t want to remember again. Although the experience was painful, it helped me face some feelings that I bottled up deep down, which helped me grow and heal. Towards the end of writing this essay, I felt a sense of pride from overcoming my dad’s death and my response to it. At the very end, I couldn’t help but cry a little because finishing and rereading the essay made me realize how much I missed my dad, but sometimes crying is a good thing because it shows acceptance and growth as long as you keep getting back up.”

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Cancer Research Catalyst The Official Blog of the American Association for Cancer Research

Home > Cancer Research Catalyst > Cancer Survivors: In Their Words

Cancer Survivors: In Their Words

This year alone, an estimated 1.8 million people will hear their doctor say they have cancer. The individual impact of each person can be clouded in the vast statistics. In honor of National Cancer Survivor Month,  Cancer Today would like to highlight several personal essays we’ve published from cancer survivors at different stages of their treatment. 

In  this essay , psychiatrist Adam P. Stern’s cerebral processing of his metastatic kidney cancer diagnosis gives rise to piercing questions. When he drops off his 3-year-old son to daycare, he ponders a simple exchange: his son’s request for a routine morning hug before he turns to leave. “Will he remember me, only a little, just enough to mythologize me as a giant who used to carry him up the stairs? As my health declines, will he have to learn to adjust to a dad who used to be like all the other dads but then wasn’t?” he questions. 

In  another essay from a parent with a young child, Amanda Rose Ferraro describes the abrupt change from healthy to not healthy after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in May 2017. After a 33-day hospital stay, followed by weeklong chemotherapy treatments, Ferraro’s cancer went into remission, but a recurrence required more chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant. Ferraro describes harrowing guilt over being separated from her 3-year-old son, who at one point wanted nothing to do with her. “Giving up control is hard, but not living up to what I thought a mother should be was harder. I had to put myself first, and it was the hardest thing I had ever done,” she writes.

In January 1995, 37-year-old Melvin Mann was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia, which would eventually mean he would  need to take a chance on a phase I clinical trial that tested an experimental drug called imatinib—a treatment that would go on to receive U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval under the brand name Gleevec. It would also mean trusting a system with a documented history of negligence and abuse of Black people like him: “Many patients, especially some African Americans, are afraid they will be taken advantage of because of past unethical experiments like the infamous Tuskegee syphilis study​,” Mann writes, before describing changes that make current trials safer. Mann’s been on imatinib ever since and has enjoyed watching his daughter become a physician and celebrating 35 years of marriage.

In  another essay , Carly Flumer addresses the absurdity of hearing doctors reassure her that she had a good cancer after she was diagnosed with stage I papillary thyroid cancer in 2017. “What I did hear repeatedly from various physicians was that I had the ‘good cancer,’ and that ‘if you were to have a cancer, thyroid would be the one to get,’” she writes.

In another piece for Cancer Today , Flumer shares  how being diagnosed with cancer just four months after starting a graduate program shaped her education and future career path.

For Liza Bernstein, her breast cancer diagnosis created a paradox as she both acknowledged and denied the disease the opportunity to define who she was. “In the privacy of my own mind, I refused to accept that cancer was part of my identity, even though it was affecting it as surely as erosion transforms the landscape,” she writes . “Out in the world, I’d blurt out, ‘I have cancer,’ because I took questions from acquaintances like ‘How are you, what’s new?’ literally. Answering casual questions with the unvarnished truth wasn’t claiming cancer as my identity. It was an attempt to dismiss the magnitude of it, like saying ‘I have a cold.’” By her third primary breast cancer diagnosis, Bernstein reassesses and moves closer to acceptance as she discovers her role as advocate.

As part of the staff of  Cancer Today , a magazine and online resource for cancer patients, survivors and caregivers, we often refer to a succinct tagline to sum up our mission: “Practical knowledge. Real hope.” Part of providing information is also listening closely to cancer survivors’ experiences. As we celebrate National Cancer Survivor Month, we elevate these voices, and all patients and survivors in their journeys.

Cancer Today is a magazine and online resource for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers published by the American Association for Cancer Research.  Subscriptions to the magazine are free ​ to cancer patients, survivors and caregivers who live in the U.S. 

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International Childhood Cancer Day

On february 15th.

International Childhood Cancer Day is a global collaborative campaign to raise awareness about childhood cancer, and to express support for children and adolescents with cancer, the survivors and their families.

Together, on ICCD, we raise our voices and envision the day all children and adolescent with cancer benefit from the best possible treatment, care and support regardless of where they live in the world.

Every year, more than 400,000 children and adolescents below 20, are diagnosed with cancer. The rate of survival depends on the region, with 80% survival in most High Income Countries but as low as 20% only in Low and MIddle Income Countries.

The Target Goal of the WHO Global Childhood Cancer Initiative is to eliminate all pain and suffering of children fighting cancer and achieve at least 60% survival for all children diagnosed with cancer around the world by 2030 .

This represents an approximate doubling of the current cure rate and will save an additional one million children’s lives over the next decade.

What is ICCD?

International Childhood Cancer Day is a global collaborative campaign to raise awareness and promote an increased appreciation and deeper understanding of the challenges faced by children and adolescents with cancer, the survivors and their families. ICCD spotlights the need for more equitable access to treatment and care for all children with cancer, everywhere.

The UN Rights of the Child states:

Children have the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health and facilities for the treatment of illness and rehabilitation of health.

What is CCI?

Childhood Cancer International (CCI) is the largest organization of its kind representing families of children with cancer. CCI wants to see a world where the issues faced by children with cancer and their families, both in the short and long-term, are understood by families, healthcare professionals and the wider community to ensure that children receive the best possible care wherever they are in the world at the time of diagnosis and beyond.

CCI’s vision is to advance cure, transform care and instil hope for children and families who are affected by childhood cancer regardless where they live in the world. João de Bragança is the president of the CCI Board of Trustees. www.childhoodcancerinternational.org

A child dies of cancer. Think about it!

On International Childhood Cancer Day, we stand united to make childhood cancer a national and global child health priority in support of the WHO Global Childhood Cancer Target Goals.

One Unified Message – Our Ultimate Goal:

Better access to care for children & adolescents with cancer everywhere!

Join Our Social Media Movement:

#throughtheirhands, #treeoflife, contact information:.

Childhood Cancer International Kraijenhoffstraat 137A 1018RG Amsterdam The Netherlands Tel: +31 20 239 51 41

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Tips for Sharing and Writing About Your Cancer Journey

A cancer diagnosis can shake you to your core and affect every aspect of your life. It can also leave you feeling overwhelmed with emotion and at a loss for words. During this complex and difficult journey, many patients say that they find solace and strength in documenting their experiences. Journaling can shift your thoughts away from cancer and provide you with an outlet for expressing feelings that you might not feel comfortable stating aloud. It can also help you focus on the more positive aspects of your life.

Writing about your cancer journey may prove to be easier than you think. The process will only require a few minutes of each day, but you can opt to spend as much or as little time on it as you like. You can also choose the format that works best for you, whether it’s writing in a notebook, typing on a computer keyboard or speaking into a voice recording device. Just be sure to date each entry for future reference. Other than that, there are no hard-and-fast rules.

Here are some ideas that might help you get started:

• Keep your "notebook" beside your bed and write as soon as you wake up each morning. Record the first few words that come to your mind, which may help you recall and write about your dreams. This can also be a good time to write about your feelings, moods and plans for the day.
• Commit to documenting at least one good experience, or one thing that you are thankful for, every single day. It could be something as simple as a child’s smile, a song that lifts your spirits, the sun’s rays streaming through a window or a perfect cup of coffee.
• Create a freeform "collage journal" made up of interesting items that catch your eye throughout the day. Keep an envelope with you so that you can collect sketches, notes, clippings, receipts, images, leaves, stones or anything else that grabs your attention. When you look back at your collage, your right brain will focus on the patterns, colors and "big picture," while your left brain will zero in on the words and phrases.

Because your story is highly personal, sharing it with others can be a big step. If, when, how and with whom you share your cancer journal is entirely up to you. If you feel comfortable, you might consider including others beyond your circle of family members and close friends. For instance, some patients choose to take on the role of advocate. In this way, you can provide support to others who are living with cancer and raise public awareness, as well as help to advance cancer research, improve the quality of cancer treatment and address legislative and regulatory issues regarding cancer.

At Moffitt Cancer Center, we offer several supportive care programs designed to help our patients share their experiences. If you’d like to learn more, contact us at 1-888-663-3488 or complete new patient registration form  online. No referrals are necessary.

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