Today (yes, I know I’m behind in getting this posted) is World Cancer Day. Cancer has affected millions of people worldwide. It is estimated that about Twenty (20) million new cancer cases occur and close to 9.7 million cancer related deaths each year. Even though the number of Cancer related cases and death are outrageous, that is not my main focus for discussing World Cancer Day.
Like it or not the majority of us have been affected by Cancer. Some suffering or are currently experiencing Cancer, while others have friends and/or relatives battling cancer’s effects and treatment side effects.
laying in a hospital
bed afflicted by the
debilitating effects of
Cancer
with my niece holding her hand.
I’ve known and currently know way too many family and friends who have suffered in one manner or another with the debilitating and devastating effects of the horrendous numbers of Cancer diseases which affect too many people to even consider imagining. It is mind boggling.
My dad died from Cancer on December 31, 1996. He had prostate cancer, cancer in his lymph nodes, kidney cancer, and lastly bone cancer. He suffered for several years and through the prescribed treatments, surgeries, and medications and yet cancer after cancer continuously infected his body. He never let himself get defeated. He never wavered in his faith in the Lord.
- My mom died on January 18, 2019 from Cancer. She too suffered through various types of Cancers, including the cancer related surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy. After having taken care of my dad and watch him suffer through the endless treatments and debilitating side effects; she chose not to undergo any more treatments when she was diagnosed with cancer, once again, in 2018. Through it all my mom learned to Trust in God. She stated that Trust meant to
- Total
- Reliance
- Under
- Stress and
- Trial
This meaning of Trust could be applied regardless of our circumstances. God is faithful to Not allow us to go through anything He won’t be right there beside us comforting us, strengthening us, and guiding us every single day of our lives.
My former spouse died of Cancer on June 15, 2018, his younger brother died of cancer this past year.
I have numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins as well as too many friends to count who have suffered from Cancer, some still managing through the effects of Cancer and others who are no longer with us in body, but will always be with us in spirit.
World Cancer Day’s theme for 2025-2027 is “United by Unique.” It places people at the centre of care and explores new ways of making a difference. This theme highlights the importance of personalized care and treatments to cater to each individual’s unique needs.
World Cancer Day aims to
- Raise Awareness Globally of
- The Importance of Prevention
- Early Detection
- Available Treatments
- Promoting Prevention and Early Detection
- Significance of Prevention through Lifestyle Changes
- Screening and Early Detection
- Prioritize Cancer Prevention
- Supporting Those Affected by Cancer
- Support Provided to those currently fighting Cancer
- Provides a sense of Community and Solidarity
- Need for Improved Access to Cancer Care
- Advocating for Better Treatment and Funding
- Advocating for increased investment in Cancer Research
- Amplifies Demand for Better Health Care infrastructure
- Push for International collaboration
- Uniting the Global Community
- Uniting People Across Borders
- Cancer knows no boundaries
- Impact is felt by millions — geographically, socially, and economically
- Tackling Cancer is Global issue
- Requires Collaboration
- Build a Global Movement for Change
- Uniting People Across Borders
You and I may not be personally suffering with Cancer, but we can be there for someone we know who might (or is currently) experiencing fighting Cancer. How can we be there for someone? What can we do?
There actually are many different ways that we (you and I) can offer and/or provide help to someone with Cancer. We can provide practical support, offer emotional support, and by simply being a good listener.
Practical support includes running errands, providing a meal, assisting with household chores, caring for children or whatever means would best benefit the person you choose to support.
Emotional support includes being a good listener, no judgements and being aware of their thoughts and feelings. Letting a person know you’re willing to listen if and when they are ready to talk. Sometimes a hug will mean a great deal to someone in need. Let people know you care, whether telling them face to face or sending them a card or message. And no matter what a person situation or circumstance might be, always remember to Pray for them.
Let’s not forget that not just the afflicted need our support, but also the families and caregivers also. Pray for all those affected by Cancer; the patient, their families, their caregivers, and their doctors. Prayers are a tremendous gift one can offer to someone in need, to someone fighting this Cancer battle on a daily basis.
God Bless. Thank you for listening. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
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