It’s time to ‘Close the Care Gap’ for World Cancer Day

Can you imagine a world where millions of preventable cancer deaths are saved? Where access to cancer treatment and care is equal for everyone, no matter who you are or where you live?

That’s the drive behind World Cancer Day, a global initiative taking place today (Friday, February 4^th) to raise awareness and improve education about cancer.

Now in its 22^nd year, World Cancer Day has grown into a positive movement for everyone around the world to unite and tackle one of the greatest health challenges in history.

This year, the theme is ‘Close the Care Gap’, highlighting the inequalities in cancer care around the globe.  This gap affects almost everyone, whether in high, low, or middle-income countries.

Inequity in care costs lives and many people who seek cancer care are hit barriers at every turn. These barriers are not set in stone.  This years’ theme is about highlighting that they can change.

Too many cancer deaths are preventable

Today, World Cancer Day is encouraging citizens, healthcare professionals and leaders around the globe to challenge assumptions and look at the hard facts.

According to Cancer Research UK, there were 17 million new cases of cancer worldwide in 2018 and someone is diagnosed with cancer every two minutes in the UK. And yet, it’s estimated that 38% of UK cancer deaths are preventable.

A report by the British Medical Journal (BMJ) reveals that people whose cancer treatment is delayed by just one month have an increased risk of dying by around 10%. It also says that this risk keeps rising the longer their treatment does not begin.

In support of closing the cancer care gap

Associate Legal Director of Novum Law Mary Smith says:

“World Cancer Day is an important time for people who have been affected by cancer to reflect on their journey.  It is also a time for family and friends to take time to remember the loved ones no longer with us.

“Awareness days like this also provide vital opportunities to raise awareness of healthcare issues that still need addressing. Sadly, statistics show that too many people are still experiencing delays in diagnosis and treatment, or do not have access to the care they need.

“This year’s theme ‘Close the Care Gap’ is especially relevant to us at Novum Law. In our work supporting people affected by cancer, we routinely see delayed diagnoses, treatment delays, and the impact a lack of access to treatment has.  In recent years, we have helped people affected by diagnosis and treatment delays due to COVID-19 and backed the Catch Up with Cancer campaign. We fully support World Cancer Day’s call to recognise that inequality in cancer care can and does cost lives.

“Major advances in tackling cancer are being made all the time. With greater investment and international collaboration, these barriers to care can be removed and many more cancer deaths can be prevented.”

Novum Law helps and supports many people whose lives have been affected by cancer. Whether you have been diagnosed with asbestos-related mesothelioma or lung cancer, or have suffered a cancer misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis or delays to your treatment.

For a FREE, no-obligation chat about what options are available to you call us today on Freephone 0800 884 0777, email info@novumlaw.com or fill in our online enquiry form.