Opinion

Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu: New World Cancer Day theme for 2025-2027 – ‘United by Unique’

Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu/LinkedIn

Nov 8, 2024, 16:07

Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu: New World Cancer Day theme for 2025-2027 – ‘United by Unique’

Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, UICC President-Elect of 2024-2026, shared on LinkedIn:

“The new World Cancer Day theme for 2025-2027, ‘United by Unique’ captures the personal reality of cancer and the urgent need for a compassionate, people-centered approach globally. In low- and middle-income countries, people living with cancer often face additional barriers: Stigmatization, limited access to treatment, human resource shortages, and underfunded healthcare systems that can leave patients feeling isolated and voiceless.

Beyond the physical challenges, cancer brings emotional struggles as individuals navigate unfamiliar, and sometimes confusing, health systems while trying to manage the highs and lows of their journey.

Breaking down these barriers requires healthcare that sees each person for who they are and understands their unique needs. Shifting the focus from solely treating the disease to truly caring for the person behind it is not just effective – it’s essential.

Work must be done to build health systems that listen to patients, address disparities, and prioritize empathy. By creating space for each story, healthcare can better serve individuals and ultimately bring us closer to a world where compassionate care is the standard.

As we approach World Cancer Day on 5th February 2025, please visit the website to learn more about how you can get involved. World Cancer Day is an initiative of Union for International Cancer Control (UICC)”

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More posts featuring Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu and UICC on oncodaily.com

Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu is a global cancer advocate, a pediatrician, UICC President-Elect of 2024-2026, a UICC Board Member, a Founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, and the Chairperson of First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC). Dr. Bagudu is working with the state ministries of health, education, and women’s affairs to implement programs to sustainably improve menstrual hygiene, girl-child education, economic empowerment of women, and put an end to gender-based violence. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu is a member of the Editorial Board of OncoDaily.