Partnership marks World Cancer Day

Today, in events taking place around the world, cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, advocates, clinicians and others are marking  World Cancer Day  alongside the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (CPAC) and the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) by highlighting the need for equitable access to life-saving cancer treatment and quality care for everyone, regardless of where they live, who they are, where they come from, what they do or who they love. 

To achieve the 2019-2029 Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control’s vision, we need to collectively ensure that everyone in Canada has equitable access to quality cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and support services. CPAC and partners across Canada are taking steps to achieve equity by focusing on systemically excluded communities and addressing the disproportionate barriers they face. This equity-first approach includes prioritizing equity considerations in the design of programs and building partnerships with groups, organizations and communities that represent and work with underserved populations.

CPAC’s commitment to taking an equity-first approach to improving cancer care and outcomes is described in The Globe and Mail. By collaborating with partners like the Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq, CPAC can support community approaches and facilitate more relevant and accessible screening and prevention services.

“There are many barriers to care—our history of trauma from colonization, not feeling welcome in medical settings, racism in health care, to name a few. Working with our partners like CPAC and Nova Scotia Health, and our communities to build meaningful relationships ensures that we facilitate cancer care and prevention that reflect Mi’kmaw values. This will contribute to long-term, sustainable Mi’kmaq wellness, vitality and survivorship,” said Kara Paul, Director of the Health Branch, Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq.

About World Cancer Day 2022

World Cancer Day takes place every year on February 4 and is a key international awareness day that unites the world in the fight against cancer. Coordinated by UICC, World Cancer Day 2022 is taking place under the theme “Close the Care Gap” and focuses on understanding and recognizing the inequities in cancer care around the globe. World Cancer Day is a chance to learn with an open mind, challenge assumptions and take action to stand up for a world less burdened by cancer.

This year, UICC is again spotlighting the global commitment to eliminate cervical cancer and address the disparities in rates of cervical cancer incidence and mortality. In Canada, the Partnership and partners across the country are using the Action Plan for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer in Canada 2020-2030 to drive forward priorities that will achieve the elimination of cervical cancer in Canada by 2040.

World Cancer Day will be recognized across Canada with the following landmarks lit in orange and blue on February 4, 2022:

• Halifax City Hall, Halifax, Nova Scotia
• Government House, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
• CN Tower, Toronto, Ontario
• Toronto Sign, Toronto, Ontario​
• Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls, Ontario
• The Forks Winnipeg Sign, Winnipeg, Manitoba
• RCMP Heritage Centre, Regina, Saskatchewan
• Calgary Tower, Calgary, Alberta
• Canada Place Sails of Light, Vancouver, British Columbia ​
• Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia​

To learn more about World Cancer Day, visit www.worldcancerday.org.