World Cancer Research Day 2024: Innovation, Hope, and Progress in the Fight Against Cancer

This year World Cancer Research Day’s theme is ‘Innovation in Cancer Research Drives Progress Toward Health Equity.

It aims to raise awareness about the importance of cancer research and the need for continued investment in this field to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.

An interview by Dr. Sujuan Ba and Jemma Arakelyan on Global Cancer Research Precision Medicine

Organizations, researchers, and advocates come together to share information, promote fundraising efforts, and highlight advancements in cancer research. The day emphasizes the critical role that research plays in saving lives and improving outcomes for those affected by cancer.

Here is what healthcare organizations and professionals are sharing on social media:

Ishwaria Subbiah:

“It’s 2024 World Cancer Research Day! This year’s WCRD theme is Innovation in cancer research drives progress toward health equity.

Innovation streamlines access to high quality cancer care and brings clinical trials closer to home than ever!

Grateful to my colleagues across Sarah Cannon Docs, SCRI Oncology Partners and The US Oncology Network for the organization-wide commitment to innovation!”

Cancer Institute NSW:

“1 in 2 people in NSW will be diagnosed with cancer, but more are surviving now than ever before. Today is World Cancer Research Day – an opportunity to say thank you to those who are dedicating their careers to a better future.

Across cancer prevention, treatment, diagnosis and care – researchers in NSW are striving to bring breakthroughs and innovations to people across our state and beyond. Find out what drives them to work in cancer research.

Learn more about our researchers and how they are making a difference.”

Sarah Cannon Research Institute:

“Today, on World Cancer Research Day, Sarah Cannon Research Institute proudly reflects on our work to advance cancer treatment through research and innovation.

With more than 1,000 trials actively enrolling, our commitment to advancing cancer therapies for patients is at the center of everything we do. Our team of over 1,300 dedicated research physicians works tirelessly to bring new hope to patients and their families.

We are honored to have participated in the development of the majority of FDA-approved cancer therapies available.

With 750+ first-in-human trials conducted at SCRI, we aim to make the latest cutting-edge therapies accessible to patients across the U.S.

Each year, we register more than 4,500 patients to enroll in our trials, providing access to treatments for patients, closer to home.

Together, we are making strides in the fight against cancer. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in our mission to bring hope and healing to those affected by this disease.”

Vivek Subbiah:

“World Cancer Research Day: Accelerating Progress in the Fight Against Cancer.

On this World Cancer Research Day, we pause to recognize the tireless dedication and groundbreaking innovations driving the fight against cancer. Cancer knows no boundaries—it impacts individuals of all ages, ethnicities, and walks of life. Together, we hold the power to reshape the future of cancer care.
Cancer research is the bedrock of our progress. It is through relentless research that we discover new treatments, enhance existing therapies, and, most crucially, save lives. Every breakthrough, no matter how small, brings us closer to a world where cancer is no longer a dire diagnosis.

Here’s why advancing cancer research is pivotal:

•  Innovative Treatments: Research paves the way for revolutionary therapies, including personalized medicine and immunotherapy, offering new hope and avenues for patients.
• Early Detection: Progress in screening and diagnostic tools allows us to detect cancer earlier, making it more treatable.
• Quality of Life: Continuous research enhances the quality of life for cancer patients and survivors, mitigating side effects and addressing long-term health.
• Prevention: Understanding risk factors and preventive strategies can lower cancer incidence, saving countless lives.
• Hope for the Future: Every stride in cancer research brings us closer to a cure, instilling hope in millions of patients and their families.
• Clinical Trials: Clinical trials are crucial as they test the safety and efficacy of new treatments, ensuring that they are both effective and safe for patients. They represent the most important step before new therapies become standard care, offering patients access to cutting-edge treatments and contributing to the broader understanding of cancer.

Let’s rally to support and champion cancer research. Together, we can move the needle and make a profound impact in the fight against cancer.

Featured in this powerful image from Times Square, NY, are our incredible multi-stakeholder colleagues from around the globe, all dedicated to the relentless fight against cancer.

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. Let’s inspire one another and keep this crucial conversation going!”

Tracey O’Brien:

“Our collective understanding of cancer and a range of other diseases, has only been possible through research and innovation.

Research is powered by people, incredibly talented, skilful and passionate critical thinkers who gravitate towards a challenge instead of running away.

In NSW, our cancer research prowess is truly the envy of the world. And why wouldn’t it be? NSW is home to world class discovery, research pipelines and partnerships that are helping create hope, where often there is none.

As the coming years bring us even more challenges, researchers remain steadfast in their resolve to find the answers that continue to elude so many.

This World Cancer Research Day, the team at Cancer Institute NSW are celebrating the people working around the clock to help ease the devastating burden of cancer.

Watch inspiring NSW researchers Maria Kavallaris , Roger Reddel, Karen Canfell, Anna DeFazio and Professor Jacob George share how vital cancer research is to our community.”

NCI Center for Global Health:

“Today is World Cancer Research Day, a global initiative highlighting the importance of research in the fight against cancer. This year’s theme is ‘Innovation in Cancer Research Drives Progress Toward Health Equity.’ Discover how our Affordable Cancer Technologies program support’s innovative global cancer research to develop technologies for equitable cancer treatment!”

Erika Hamilton:

“On this World Cancer Day I support all those facing cancer, celebrate those advancing care through clinical trials, and commit to making advances in treatment for those to come.”

The Dorcas Cancer Foundation:

“Today is World Cancer Research Day; we take a moment to highlight the incredible strides made by The Dorcas Cancer Foundation (TDCF) in advancing pediatric cancer research in Nigeria.

One of our Core Values at TDCF is Research. A key area driven by a commitment to generate data, build capacity, and foster solutions that can transform pediatric oncology in sub-Saharan Africa.

In our crave to the critical need for local data on childhood cancer, TDCF established the 1st Pediatric Cancer Research Grant in Nigeria. ” The Dorcas Cancer Research Grant ” This pioneering grant was created to support researchers, clinicians, and scientists interested in conducting groundbreaking research on pediatric cancer. The objective was to encourage new ideas, promote evidence-based practices, and generate solutions to bridge the knowledge gap that hampers effective pediatric cancer care in Nigeria.

To continue disseminating findings about pediatric cancer in Nigeria globally, the publication phase of the foundation was launched with several papers presented at the oncology congress and published in esteemed journals till date, focusing on pediatric oncology, radiation oncology, education, and psychosocial and advocacy. These publications have sparked conversations within the local and international oncology communities, catalyzing ongoing collaborations in Nigeria.

Building on the foundation effort of research grants and publications, TDCF recently launched the Pediatric Cancer Research Network of Nigeria (PCRN), which is designed to transform CAYA cancer research in Nigeria!

Through PCRN, we are fostering collaboration among researchers, empowering them to unite efforts and learn from each other by focusing on local data, practice-informing findings, and professional development to improve patient outcomes and advance the fight against CAYA cancer in Nigeria.

TDCF continues to strengthen the research ecosystem in Nigeria, ensuring that new generations of scientists and healthcare professionals have the tools and support they need to lead the fight against childhood cancer.

We are shaping the future of pediatric oncology in Nigeria.

Partner with us.”

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center:

“Today is World Cancer Research Day.

As South Florida’s only NCI-designated cancer center, we’re at the forefront of cancer research. We’re dedicated to advancing translational research through collaboration, integration and innovation. As part of our relentless pursuit of cancer cures, we’re building the Kenneth C. Griffin Cancer Research Building. This state-of-the-art facility will double our research footprint, bringing hope to patients locally and globally as we drive groundbreaking discoveries and redefine cancer treatment standards.

Learn about our research expansion plans.”

Ishwaria Subbiah:

“On this World Cancer Research Day, I’m grateful for the inspiration and counsel from colleagues and friends! A superb afternoon with forward-thinking minds inc. two of our very best, Dr. Cardinale B. Smith and Rob Winn — our action-centered discussions are driven by collaboration and innovation to ensure patient centricity and inclusion are at the heart of the paradigm shift in global access to cancer care and clinical trials!”

Miriam Mutebi:

“Today is World Cancer Research Day.

The rising cancer rates in Africa present a significant public health crisis, with over 1.1 million new cancer cases reported annually & 700,000 deaths each year. There is a growing need to build resilient, African-led research ecosystems that respond to our unique challenges.

Cancer research in Africa is also significantly underfunded compared to communicable diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis.

A 2022 bibliometric analysis found that cancer research comprises, less than 2% of scientific publications in Africa and receives less than 0.1% of global research funding (full report).

This disparity prevents healthcare providers in Africa from accessing data & tools needed for effective and tailored cancer control strategies. Localized research is essential for developing evidence-based care models that enhance patient outcomes and strengthen health system resilience.

Nonetheless, there has been notable progress.

AORTIC- Africa, with partners like the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and local and regional universities, to name a few, has convened stakeholders, trained cancer researchers, and developed research networks to tackle key cancer challenges. While these initiatives are crucial, sustained and targeted investment is necessary.

➡ Clinical Trials: A Missed Opportunity.

Clinical trials offer the potential to test new treatments and improve existing therapies, giving patients access to cutting-edge care that might otherwise be unavailable. However, Africa accounts for less than 5% of global clinical trial activity, with most trials conducted in Western countries.

➡ Way Forward?

4 words: National Cancer Control Plans (NCCPs).

African governments must prioritize cancer research by establishing national cancer institutes to oversee research, maintain cancer registries & lead data collection. Treating cancer research as an economic driver can create jobs, attract funding, & improve patient care, accelerating the development of robust research infrastructures.

AORTIC urges targeted investment to align funding for cancer & non-communicable diseases (NCDs) with that of communicable diseases. African institutions must lead the national cancer research agenda to ensure efforts are tailored to the needs of African patients.

We invite governments, global health organizations, research institutes and private sector partners to collaborate in advancing cancer research across Africa.

➡To explore partnership opportunities, contact us at [email protected] or visit.”

Triparna Sen:

“On this World Cancer Research Day I want to recognize the tireless dedication of everyone working towards a common goal of fighting cancer.

– I want to thank my team at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai who work relentlessly to develop personalized medicine for patients with lung cancer.

– Patients advocates and caregivers for their dedication and meaningful contributions.

– Research is our true north and I am incredibly thankful for the support I have received from our funders for conducting the research.

– My institution Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, mentors, and peers for their support and guidance.”

Melody Schiaffino:

“Today is World Cancer Research Day – as we gear up for leading science on the quality of cancer care at ASCOQLTY24 – a reminder that collaborative research needs all of us! Read the declaration here.”

Sinead Toomey:

“Cancer research isn’t always easy. All too often experiments don’t work, papers get rejected and grants don’t get funded. However, advances in cancer research can make a difference to the lives of patients which makes it all worthwhile.”

Christian Rolfo:

“Today is the World Cancer Research Day a great opportunity to celebrate all the discoveries and big steps that allow advance in patient care. Proud of our team At The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute and their amazing contributions in the field.”

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