Dear Editor,
This Wednesday is World Cancer Day, an international day of action in the fight against cancer.
World Cancer Day takes place on February 4 every year to raise awareness and inspire change.
This year’s theme is ‘Not beyond us’ signifying the things that we can do as individuals and a community to prevent and beat cancer.
The campaign focuses on four key priorities – healthy life choices, early detection, equal access to treatment, and quality of life for those affected.
Each of these priorities drive the mission of Cancer Council Queensland in your community.
This World Cancer Day, we renew our commitment to advocacy on smoke free spaces, promoting healthy lifestyles, overcoming regional inequalities, ensuring cancer early detection, supporting cancer survivors, and investing in Queensland-based cancer research.
Cancer remains the greatest burden of disease in Queensland, with significant impacts for individuals, families, the community, and the health-care system.
In fact, the number of cancers diagnosed in Queensland has more than tripled over the past 30 years, from 8,250 cases diagnosed in 1982 to 25,614 new cases in 2012.
Of concern, the health burden caused by cancer is increasing due to an ageing and increasing population, and we continue to be greatly challenged by the interaction between lifestyle behaviours and cancer risk factors.
We all have a role to play in cancer control – and we would welcome your action this World Cancer Day.
We’re encouraging Queenslanders to participate in recommended cancer screening, quit smoking, eat healthily, exercise, maintain a healthy weight, stay SunSmart and limit alcohol intake to reduce the risk of preventable cancers.
More information about Cancer Council Queensland is available via Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20 or on the Cancer Council website.
Together we can beat cancer!
Professor Jeff Dunn AO
CEO Cancer Council Queensland