World Cancer Day

Twenty-three years ago, the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) – the world’s oldest and largest international cancer organization – established February 4 as World Cancer Day. On this day, the UICC launches a global awareness campaign that invites all of us to “reimagine a world where millions of preventable cancer deaths are saved and access to lifesaving cancer treatment and care is equitable for all – no matter who you are or where you live.”

World Cancer Day 2023 marked the second phase of a three-year effort to “Close the Care Gap” that’s preventing far too many people from accessing much-needed cancer services. This “equity gap” in cancer care, notes the UICC, stems from barriers related to income, education, and geographic location. And it results from discrimination based on a person’s age, race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, refugee status, disability, social status, and other factors.  

National Cancer Prevention Month

In 2003, Congress established February as National Cancer Prevention Month, with the goal of informing Americans about how to lower their cancer risks – through screening and early detection of cancer as well as lifestyle choices such as healthy eating, exercise, sun protection, and avoiding nicotine or alcohol.

But while information can be empowering, many Americans face barriers to accessing recommended cancer screenings and treatment. We have much work to do in addressing discriminatory attitudes and policies that impact care. And while lifestyle choices are critical to reducing cancer risks, taking action can be challenging for those living in areas with few healthy food sources or safe places to exercise.

How Does the Cancer Care Gap Impact Our Health?

The UICC shares a few alarming statistics:

• For white women in the U.S., the five-year survival rate for cervical cancer is 71%. But for Black women, the rate is only 58%. 
• Cancer kills nearly 10 million people a year, and some 70% of those are age 65 or older, yet older populations face disproportionate barriers to effective treatment. 
• There are notable differences in cancer-related outcomes for rural and nonrural patients, even in high-income settings such as the U.S.  

Creating a Healthier, More Equitable World 

Like the UICC, we believe that each of us can take steps, large or small, toward reducing cancer’s impact on our families, our neighbors, and the world around us. We join the UICC in applauding “even the humblest actions,” such as driving a neighbor to cancer treatment, starting a community garden, or becoming a champion for healthy lunches at your child’s school.

Are you ready to create change? Sign up for one or more of the UICC’s 21-day “Impact Challenges.” For 21 days – the time it takes to form a new habit – you’ll receive a morning email with a tip, a lesson, an inspiring message, or a new activity to help you lower your cancer risks or close the care gap for those in need.

Here’s the plan: 

Become a social media influencer.

As you complete your 21-day challenge, post a picture of your efforts on social media with #WorldCancerDayChallenge and #NationalCancerPreventionMonth. Encourage others to join you!  

Don’t stop there.

Take your commitment a step further by joining forces with Simmons Cancer Center’s Office of Community Outreach, Engagement, and Equity. Visit us at Cancer Care Community Outreach (utswmed.org) to learn more about opportunities to partner in building community health.

Cancer-Fighting Food Spotlight: Moroccan Lentil Salad

Culinary dietitian Milette Siler’s Moroccan Lentil Salad makes a quick and satisfying meal, packed with cancer-fighting properties. The lentils in this recipe are rich in antioxidants that protect our body’s cells against damage that can lead to cancer. Lentils are also high in fiber, which puts them on the list of foods showing evidence for decreasing the risk of colorectal cancer. As a low-calorie and filling substitute for meat, lentils are good to have on hand if you’re trying to reach or maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk for 13 types of cancer.

For newsletter questions, comments, or suggestions, email Renee.Barber@UTSouthwestern.edu.