Help us #CloseTheCareGap this World Cancer Day

Today is World Cancer Day, a day when the cancer community comes together to raise awareness, improve education and highlight the reality of what it means to be diagnosed with and treated for cancer in Ireland.

 

The theme of this year’s World Cancer Day is #CloseTheCareGap. Research from the World Health Organization shows that in 2021, over 19.3 million people were diagnosed with cancer across the globe. Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, but together we can change this.

 

One of these ways is to be more aware of what can be done to reduce our cancer risk. 30-50% of cancers are preventable, and you can learn more about the seven pillars of good health, and the Marie Keating Foundation campaign’s Your Health, Your Choice, here.

 

Unfortunately, health inequalities still exist in our society and for some, factors such as income, education, geography and discrimination can negatively affect care and access to timely medical interventions.

 

As part of social inclusion work, the Marie Keating Foundation has partnered with community organisations like Pavee Point and Local Development Companies in Offaly and Roscommon to ensure everyone including, Traveller and Syrian communities in Ireland have the information and resources they need to detect cancer in its earliest stages.

 

With support from Deloitte Ireland, they have worked with these two communities to create bespoke written materials, workshops, and online resources to tackle some of the barriers that these communities face when it comes to recognising and seeking help for the warning signs of cancer.

 

To show your support this World Cancer Day, use the hashtag #CloseTheCareGap on social media, and help shed a light on the inequality faced by members of our community.

To view and download free copies of cancer prevention and awareness materials in plain English and Arabic, visit the Marie Keating Foundation’s Social Inclusion Hub here.