World Cancer Day takes place every year on 4 February. It is led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), of which the National Cancer Control Programme and Irish Cancer Society are members.
The aim of World Cancer Day is to save millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and through education, and by pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action against the disease.
The focus of World Cancer Day 2021 is on saying ‘thank you’ to the nurses, doctors, researchers, volunteers, advocates and other caregivers in oncology, as well as government agencies, who have worked through the COVID-19 pandemic over the past twelve months to the benefit of patients.
Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD said: “As we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented huge challenges for our health services. At the outset, the Government committed to the continuation of cancer services. With great effort by many, cancer services continue to operate in line with guidance issued by the HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme.”
“I want to take the opportunity afforded by World Cancer Day 2021 to say the most heartfelt ‘thank you’ to the dedicated and hardworking caregivers in oncology services across the country, as well as government agencies, who have worked throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, continuing to give expert, compassionate care to our loved ones battling cancer.”
“I was delighted to announce in October that €12m was allocated specifically for the restoration of cancer services in the context of COVID-19 in Budget 2021. This funding is being used to support diagnostic services, virtual clinics and triage, organisation of treatment services, minor capital works and psycho-social supports.”
“Furthermore, I announced that funding of €20m has been allocated for the continued implementation of the National Cancer Strategy this year. This funding will facilitate developments across prevention, diagnosis, treatment and patient supports.”
NOTES TO EDITOR
The theme of World Cancer Day 2021 is: “I am and I will”
The objective of this is to encapsulate the extraordinary spirit and the strength of the cancer community. Stories of cancer patients, captured throughout the past year, are being showcased on the occasion of World Cancer Day in testimonies and articles on a dedicated page of the official website. (https://www.worldcancerday.org/cancer-care-and-covid).