About three years ago I started working in cancer research and education with.  Until then I had never heard about WORLD CANCER DAY (by the way as I finish writing this it was yesterday  – February 4, 2010).   As I read the  Livestrong blog post about World Cancer Day – they said this year’s day was very timely because  cancer is “ set to become the #1 killer in the world this year, the day brings us together to highlight the growing personal and economic impact of the disease.”

This statistic frightens me.  With all the breakthrough in technology, all the medical advancements, and the new effective screenings and treatments, cancer death rates continue to  be on the rise worldwide.  This is NOT acceptable.  We can no longer sit by as  people die because they make lifestyle choices out of ignorance and/or ambivalence, they do not have access to proper prevention or treatment, and research is not effectively translated to treatment.

Women’s Oncology Research and Dialogue will continue look to remove the barriers that are keeping the death rate due to cancer rising.  Barriers of indifference.  Barriers of ignorance.  Barriers to new research for treatments.  However, as I saw many organization point out  – It doesn’t start with the important work of our organization’s work,  but with people making personal decision about their lifestyle and health care.  What can women (you) do?  Here are a few ideas –

  • Get to the doctor if you have a specific and recurrent change in your health
  • Stop Smoking
  • Get an annual exam/Pap Test
  • Stop Smoking
  • Eat Well
  • Exercise Regularly
  • Know the risks factors and symptoms of gynecologic cancers
  • Much more!

I am excited for WORD because in just a few months, we will launch a new website that we believe will be a catalyst and inspiration for many women to  learn to take these steps and many more.  My hope is that next year when World Cancer Day comes about, we can say full heartedly, “We did our part to lessen the impact cancer has around the world, one person at a time!”