Launched back in 2016 by the Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer (Spanish Association against Cancer – AECC), and officially co-promoted in collaboration with leading organizations and Societies in oncology, World Cancer Research Day (WCRD) is held annually on 24 September to encourage the active involvement of citizens, institutions and leaders across various fields to support the advancement of research against cancer.
Baring the tagline, Don’t just stand by in the face of cancer, a thought provoking video addresses the question, What would happen if cancer research stood still? The response is as shocking as it is simple: by 2030 one person could die of cancer every two seconds. The clip also reminds us that advancing cancer treatment and care towards improving outcomes for our patients begins with research, and that the accomplishments driven through the dedication of our talented teams across the globe are too often hidden from view.
The global cancer burden rose to 18.1 million new cases and 9.6 million cancer deaths in 2018, with cancer cases now forecast to rise by 75% over the next two decades. Accelerating cancer science and translating insights into improved outcomes for patients as swiftly as possible, must therefore be a top priority for the entire oncology ecosystem as well as the public at large.
Aimed at raising society’s awareness and the need to recognize the major contributions made thanks to basic and translational science, the campaign seeks to ensure that cancer discovery continues to receive the backing, belief and essential funding to improve survival rates and the quality of life of those affected by the disease, now and in the future.
Commenting for VHIO Communications VHIO’s Director, Josep Tabernero, said, “Only with the much needed and continued support of cancer research of excellence will we be able to more effectively combat cancer, raise the bar in advancing precision medicine in oncology, as well as potentiate strategies aimed at prevention and early detection.”
He continued, “I take this opportunity to personally thank the Spanish Association against Cancer for the longstanding support it gives to numerous research talents and groups across Spain and beyond. Such essential funding drives the science that continues to mark amazing progress towards solving cancer sooner.”
To discover more about World Cancer Research Day and lend your support to raising awareness about the importance of cancer science, please visit: www.worldcancerresearchday.com.
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