Dr. Tracy Sexton worked closely with cancer patients during her training to be a radiation oncologist, but not until she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006 did she truly understand the meaning of “you have cancer.”
Humanitarian Stephen Lewis spoke to about 900 people in Alumni Hall March 31 about the Campaign to Control Cancer, an awareness campaign focused on prevention.
Sexton, an assistant professor in the Department of Oncology at The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, shared her experience with breast cancer at the Campaign to Control Cancer event on March 31, featuring guest speaker Stephen Lewis.
“We can all work to make cancer just a word, instead of a state of being,” says Sexton.
About 900 people filled Alumni Hall to hear about the need for society to refocus in its fight against cancer.
Lewis, a well-known Canadian advocate for people living with HIV/AIDS in Africa, has issued a challenge to motivate young people to take part in the Campaign to Control Cancer.
“How is it possible that we have so much capacity to alter the human condition … and we fail to do so? Surely it’s time to change that fact.”
His visit to The University of Western Ontario was part of The People vs. Cancer speaking tour at five Ontario universities. The event was hosted by The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Faculty of Health Sciences and the London Regional Cancer Program.
Lewis believes a public awareness campaign focused on cancer prevention must be launched.
A summit will be held in September for world leaders to discuss the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. Eradicating extreme poverty and hunger; achieving universal primary education; reducing child mortality; and ensuring environmental sustainability are among eight goals targeted for achievment by 2015.
Currently, non-communicable diseases such as cancer are not on the list. As a global health issue, Lewis says it should be on the agenda and receive an allocation of resources necessary to address these issues.
“No one is immune to this disease … it has now become a reality across the spectrum of ages,” he says. “The opportunity is ripe for our collective intervention.”
By 2015, the deadline to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, it is expected one out of every two people in Canada will be at risk of developing cancer. Cancer is the leading cause of premature death in the country.
Universities and researchers have the ability to make a difference in the fight against cancer, he says.
“Imagine cutting a scourge like cancer in half; it’s extraordinary.”
A similar cancer control awareness campaign has been successful in some European countries such as Luxemborg, Finland and Austria, reducing the number cases and deaths by 15-27 per cent.
There is no secret to what individuals can do to reduce their risks, he says.
Reduce smoking and consumption of alcohol
Change of diet
More exercise
Reduce exposure to sunlight and harmful contaminants in the environment
University students are engaged in social issues and have access to technology that can bring people together for a common cause, making them ideal candidates for kick-starting this campaign and holding community conversations dedicated to cancer, he notes.
“I urge you individually and collectively to be involved to the fullest, with heart, energy and time.”
For more information on the Campaign to Control Cancer visit https://www.controlcancer.ca/.
