Do you know what tomorrow is? Tomorrow is World Cancer Day. On February 4th, 2017, people from around the world will unite to continue the fight against cancer. From 2016-2018, the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) will work towards bringing communities together, raising awareness, and showing that no one must face cancer alone. Last year, over 900 events took place in over 129 countries! Everyone has their part to play in the global fight. Under the slogan, “We Can. I Can.”, World Cancer Day is promoting a series of key messages that people can use to help manage the burden of cancer on themselves, a loved one, or someone in their community.

Every year, there are approximately 14 million new cases of cancer worldwide, and 8.2 million deaths. In Canada alone, over 80,00 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every year. Of these, approximately 5,000 are forms of melanoma. It’s imperative that we do everything that we can to ensure that this mortality rate is not a permanent trend. You might be thinking, “I’m only one person. What can I do? Where do I start?” The good news is that everyone (including you) can make a difference! There are so many ways to get involved in the fight against cancer. Some of the biggest ways that you can help are through: Donations, Volunteering, and Social Media. Donations from warriors is what makes the fight against cancer possible. Since the 1960’s, over $1.3 billion has given to the CSS in the name of change. Since then, the 5-year survival rate of cancer patients has jumped from 25% to over 60%!

Still think that one person can’t make a difference? There is a reason that World Cancer Day’s slogan is “We Can. I Can”.  Volunteer your time in the community! This can be for an upcoming event, rally, campaign, advertisement, story, and much more. There is always something you can do to help. Organizations like The Canadian Cancer Society are built on the time and hard work of volunteers willing to make a difference. With your help, events like World Cancer Day, Daffodil Month, and Run to Quit can be a success. Even doing something simple like wearing a Unity Band promotes cancer awareness.

 

What can survivors do? Whether you’re continuing your fight against cancer or have won the battle, think about sharing your story. Get involved by spreading awareness through social media. Many people are looking for a reason to participate in the fight against cancer. You could be that spark. We want to hear your story, your experience, and your thoughts. 

Here at MetaOptima, our vision is to empower patients and physicians in the fight against skin cancers like Melanoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC). Not everyone experiences cancer first hand, but that doesn’t mean we can’t support you. Cancer should never be something that you must face alone.  Share your story, help educate others, and get connected through support groups, like Canadian Survivor Network, Inspire Health, BC Cancer Agency, and CCS Connection. Together we create a community.

Through advocacy, prevention, and support, we can beat all forms of cancer. On February 4th, let’s unite to continue the fight. #WorldCancerDay #WeCanICan #TogetherWeAreStronger #ActOfUnity

 

The MetaOptima Team