Patient organisations work to improve equity in cancer care on World Cancer Day
UICC provided grants through its Patient Group Mentoring Programme, enabling member organisations to champion the lived experience of cancer and fully leverage the ‘Close the Care Gap’ campaign on World Cancer Day.
HOUSE086, an organisation based in China, produced a video entitled ‘100 Ways of Loving Yourself’, which featured the story of a lymphoma survivor named Jingjing. it emphasised the importance of self-care for people living with cancer, aiming to empower them to prioritise their well-being and adopt holistic lifestyle practices, and inspire other patient organisations to increase psychological care services. HOUSE086 aims to continue highlighting role models to inspire more people living with cancer, reduce stigma, and increase social support for cancer patients in China
In Indonesia, the Cancer Information and Support Center (CISC) organised an educational event to improve communication between patients, oncologists, and policy makers. It sought to enhance awareness, improve relations with healthcare providers, develop skills for those with lived experience to advocate for improved cancer control policies. The project also facilitated closer collaboration with the Ministry of Health, further strengthening opportunities to advocate and influence policy decisions.
L'Association des Malades Atteints de Leucémies (AMAL), an association based in Morocco that supports people with leukaemia, organised the ‘Walk for Hope’ within Marrakech's renowned Menara gardens. The event celebrated over 100 cancer survivors, supporting patients and caregivers, and strived to heighten awareness of cancer risks and advocacy for equitable cancer care. The event generated significant media coverage and increased volunteer recruitment and donations, as well as more visits to the Dar al Amal facility (“house of hope”, in Arabic).
"Through our work, and particularly, the Patient Group Mentoring programme, UICC is committed to ensuring that patient groups are engaged and heard as key partners in the cancer community and health systems. They have a unique and critical role to play in closing the care gap in cancer. It is a privilege to have been able to provide these grants and increase their impact this World Cancer Day – strengthening national advocacy, raising awareness, and bringing attention to the importance of survivorship and supportive care services."
— Kirstie Graham, Director of Capacity Building, UICC
The Patient's Friends Society — Jerusalem is a Palestinian organisation whose project focused on personalising the cancer journey and fostering communal support. In a series of exhibitions, cancer patients, survivors, and volunteers shared stories and art contributions. These challenged misconceptions about cancer, emphasising the possibility of resuming regular life, and ultimately aiming to contribute to improved care for people living with cancer by amplifying their voices and encouraging their active participation in society. The event attracted significant interest from attendees and reached a diverse audience through the distinct venues and social media. There are future plans to disseminate the content online to reach a wider audience.
Finally, the Philippines Alliance of Patients Organizations (PAPO) was supported to host ‘Universal Healthcare and Blood Cancers: A Conversation Series’. The event engaged discussions between those with lived experience, primary healthcare providers, and cancer care specialists on disparities in health policy between haematological and solid tumours. The conversation series was co-hosted by PAPO and the RGL Primary Healthcare Hub to promote collaborative action across healthcare topics. The event inspired concrete actions, such as launching MySpeak for multiple myeloma awareness and advocating for more research funding and institutional support for patient organisations.
These geographically and culturally diverse initiatives share a common thread of sustainable impact, community engagement and patient-centred care, setting the stage for a new three-year campaign for World Cancer Day set to be launched this year
"World Cancer Day brings together people, communities, and organisations from across the globe, united in their efforts to raise awareness about cancer and its impact on individuals and families. The grants this year have sparked meaningful projects that fit perfectly with the campaign goal to 'Close the Care Gap'. Whether through community outreach, a learning event, a video, or discussions, every effort helps address the disparities in cancer treatment and care."
– Janine Fuochi Huguenin, Campaign Manager, UICC
Last update
Friday 26 April 2024
