Calling all cancer advocates around the world to unite and participate in World Cancer Day! Every year on February 4th, people from all backgrounds come together to stand up and speak out about the cancer inequities communities face today. This February 4, 2023 is the second year the Union for International Cancer Control celebrates their #CloseTheCareGap campaign. 70% of cancer deaths occur in low-to-middle income countries due to the uneven distribution of resources, which can be anything from affordable healthcare to diagnosing equipment. The #CloseTheGap campaigns believes we can all come together to spread awareness, educate, and to fight cancer, which is now the second leading cause of death worldwide. Anyone can help, small or large, whether it is a social media post or contacting political leaders for action. If you are interested in finding an event near you, please go to worldcancerday.org/map
The Global Cancer Program’s mission is to accompany our partners to reduce the global cancer burden through innovative research, education, and collaboration. Every day, we are working to fulfill this mission and #CloseTheGap by teaming up with our international partners. We have established hubs in Tanzania, Mexico, and Vietnam. Last year, UCSF and the University of Medicine and Pharmacy (UMP) in Vietnam graduated the first Pediatric Hematology Oncology Fellows class and welcomed their third cohort for this training program. Our partnership with Mexico has helped us understand, through research, how cancer battles can be fought by identifying effective cancer screening strategies and cancer control policies that are tailored to existing healthcare systems and social and cultural factors. The “Cancer Research Training Program in Tanzania” in partnership with Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences continues to train, mentor, and aid in cancer training. With ongoing clinical trials, UCSF Global Cancer Program is assessing new ways to expand cancer diagnosis and care. We encourage you to celebrate World Cancer Day with the Global Cancer Program! If you would you like to contribute to #ClosingTheCareGap,” consider donating to the Global Cancer Program to support our work here.
