February 4th is World Cancer Day: a day dedicated to appreciating all of the advancements in cancer treatment, prevention, and awareness at a global level. It originated in 2000 to create a united front against preventable cancer deaths at the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium in Paris. This was the first-ever gathering of cancer experts, and it signified a global commitment to the elimination of cancer. As predicted by summit organizers, cancer has been an increasingly significant contributor to the global disease burden despite most cancers being preventable. [1] After 22 years, this campaign continues to lead the fight against cancer deaths by mobilizing a global community by raising awareness, promoting research, and improving patient services. [2]
One in six deaths is attributed to cancer, making it the second leading cause of death worldwide. This equals nearly 10 million deaths annually [3] , and it is estimated that if we don’t act, that number could rise to 13 million by 2030. [4] However, the impact of this illness expands far beyond the patient’s diagnosis and death.
Undergoing treatment is time-consuming and emotionally draining for patients and caregivers. As a result, it is common for patients and their families to feel as though they have lost control of their lives. As the number of those with cancer grows, this will become a more prevalent issue, and thus treatment plans catering to the individual’s needs and preferences must become more common. [5]
The larger impact of cancer diagnoses on society can be measured through a metric called the Disability-Adjusted Life Yearly (DALY) where one DALY is equal to one year of healthy life lost. Over the past 30 years, DALY measurements have shown a significant decrease across all cancer types, indicating that, even though the percentage of the population with a cancer diagnosis is growing overall, the global disease burden has fallen. [3] This most likely has to do with more advanced screening technologies and treatment options.
While advances in treatments have made a significant impact for many people, there are still disparities around the world. This year’s World Cancer Day theme is “Close the Care Gap,” which is meant to bring attention to the limitations and barriers some experience in their cancer diagnosis and treatment journeys. This care gap might not impact you personally, but it likely does affect someone you know. While it’s more pronounced in low and middle-income countries, well-resourced countries still have disparities, too. [7]
One in three cancers could be cured if detected and treated early-on. [4] Unfortunately, barriers in healthcare—such as socioeconomic status and geographic location, among others—can lead to worse outcomes for patients. [7]
Additionally, one in three cancer cases could be prevented through education, access, and simple lifestyle changes. Some relatively easy changes most people could make include:
This year, OriGen would like to join the World Cancer Day campaign to raise awareness of the gap that can exist in obtaining essential health services. We are an inclusive company that is proud to provide quality products to companies across the world that aid in the global fight against cancer. In particular, OriGen Biomedical is proud to offer a variety of products for cell culture and cryopreservation that can be used in the treatment of blood cancers. PermaLife Cell Culture Bags are indicated for use in protecting, storing, and freezing cells and tissues. In addition, OriGen supplies CryoPur™ DMSO cryopreservation solutions and accessories for fluid transfer to simplify the cryopreservation process. Events take place around the globe to help raise awareness and funds for further research. Check with your local cancer treatment centers or head to worldcancerday.org for more information.
One in six deaths is attributed to cancer, making it the second leading cause of death worldwide. This equals nearly 10 million deaths annually [3] , and it is estimated that if we don’t act, that number could rise to 13 million by 2030. [4] However, the impact of this illness expands far beyond the patient’s diagnosis and death.
Undergoing treatment is time-consuming and emotionally draining for patients and caregivers. As a result, it is common for patients and their families to feel as though they have lost control of their lives. As the number of those with cancer grows, this will become a more prevalent issue, and thus treatment plans catering to the individual’s needs and preferences must become more common. [5]
The larger impact of cancer diagnoses on society can be measured through a metric called the Disability-Adjusted Life Yearly (DALY) where one DALY is equal to one year of healthy life lost. Over the past 30 years, DALY measurements have shown a significant decrease across all cancer types, indicating that, even though the percentage of the population with a cancer diagnosis is growing overall, the global disease burden has fallen. [3] This most likely has to do with more advanced screening technologies and treatment options.
While advances in treatments have made a significant impact for many people, there are still disparities around the world. This year’s World Cancer Day theme is “Close the Care Gap,” which is meant to bring attention to the limitations and barriers some experience in their cancer diagnosis and treatment journeys. This care gap might not impact you personally, but it likely does affect someone you know. While it’s more pronounced in low and middle-income countries, well-resourced countries still have disparities, too. [7]
One in three cancers could be cured if detected and treated early-on. [4] Unfortunately, barriers in healthcare—such as socioeconomic status and geographic location, among others—can lead to worse outcomes for patients. [7]
Additionally, one in three cancer cases could be prevented through education, access, and simple lifestyle changes. Some relatively easy changes most people could make include:
- Reducing UV exposure by applying sunscreen of SPF30 or greater 20 minutes before going outside and reapplying every 2 hours.
- Avoiding cigarette smoke, as it contains many known carcinogens which may disrupt normal cell growth.
- Getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity 5 times per week.
- Indulging in a fiber-rich diet by consuming 2 servings of fruit and 5 servings of vegetables each day.
- Refraining from eating more than one serving of lean red meat per day and avoiding processed meats.
This year, OriGen would like to join the World Cancer Day campaign to raise awareness of the gap that can exist in obtaining essential health services. We are an inclusive company that is proud to provide quality products to companies across the world that aid in the global fight against cancer. In particular, OriGen Biomedical is proud to offer a variety of products for cell culture and cryopreservation that can be used in the treatment of blood cancers. PermaLife Cell Culture Bags are indicated for use in protecting, storing, and freezing cells and tissues. In addition, OriGen supplies CryoPur™ DMSO cryopreservation solutions and accessories for fluid transfer to simplify the cryopreservation process. Events take place around the globe to help raise awareness and funds for further research. Check with your local cancer treatment centers or head to worldcancerday.org for more information.
