World Cancer Day February 4th
Published: 02 February 2017
Published: 02 February 2017
As it nears World Cancer Day, you may wonder what the key goal is?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that World Cancer Day is organised by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), with an aim to ‘end the injustice of preventable suffering from cancer’ (2016).
There are more than 100 types of cancer, according to WHO, with the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (Cancer Australia 2016) suggesting that there are a further several hundred diseases involved with cancer.
Cancer is a term that refers to diseases in which ‘abnormal cells grow outside their usual boundaries’ and can spread around the body (WHO 2016).
WHO conveys that most deaths occur as a result of metastases, in which the cancer spreads to and enters other bodily organs.
(WHO 2015)
Early detection and precise diagnosis are key parts of treatment that can lead to increased survival rates for cancer (WHO 2016). WHO highlights that it is essential to treat specific forms of cancer with specific types of treatment that are appropriate to that cancer type and person. Examples of types of treatment for cancer involve: radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery (WHO, 2016). Pain relief and palliative care are listed by WHO as being particularly important to prevent distress for people with cancer.
According to the AIHW, ‘In 2008–2012 in Australia, individuals diagnosed with cancer had a 67% chance of surviving for 5 years compared to their counterparts in the general Australian population’ (Cancer Australia 2016). They predicted that in 2016, one quarter of males and one sixth of females will die due to cancer, by their 85th birthday.
30% of cancer deaths could be prevented by eliminating central risks such as tobacco, eating more fruit and vegetables, having a healthier BMI (body mass index), and participating in physical activity (WHO 2015).
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Madeline Gilkes, CNS, RN, is a Fellow of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine. She focused her master of healthcare leadership research project on health coaching for long-term weight loss in obese adults. In recent years, Madeline has found a passion for preventative nursing, transitioning from leadership roles (CNS Gerontology & Education, Clinical Facilitator) in hospital settings to primary healthcare nursing. Madeline’s vision is to implement lifestyle medicine to prevent and treat chronic conditions. Her brief research proposal for her PhD application involves Lifestyle Medicine for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Madeline is working towards Credentialled Diabetes Educator (CDE) status and primarily works in the role of Head of Nursing. Madeline’s philosophy focuses on using humanistic management, adult learning theories/evidence and self-efficacy theories and interventions to promote positive learning environments. In addition to her Master of Healthcare Leadership, Madeline has a Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Education & Management, Graduate Certificate in Adult & Vocational Education, Graduate Certificate of Aged Care Nursing, and a Bachelor of Nursing. See Educator Profile