World Cancer Research Day

What is World Cancer Research Day?

Cancer research can lead to better treatments and potentially a cure one day. At the forefront, however, cancer researchers want to improve patients’ quality of life.

In 2016, ten leading organizations in the worldwide fight against cancer collaborated to establish World Cancer Research Day. This day emphasizes how essential it is to support cancer research and the role that it plays in reducing the devastating effects of the disease. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic stalled many cancer research projects this year. Providing support to resume these projects and advance our understanding of cancer will lead to a more promising future for those diagnosed with the disease.

What are the Goals of Cancer Research?

World Cancer Research Day aims to improve our ability to carry out cancer research. But what does cancer research itself aim to accomplish?

1. To understand the causes of cancer.
2. To prevent what is preventable and reduce risk factors.
3. To improve diagnosis and treatment.
4. To optimize quality of life.
5. To ensure equity in care and access to care.

How Can You Make a Difference?

1. Donate to Organizations Funding Cancer Research
2. Participate in Cancer Research Studies

Studies focused on prevention may utilize participants without cancer to investigate prevention strategies, understand risk factors, or develop detection methods.

Studies focused on treatment, such as clinical trials, involve patients with cancer and may compare the effectiveness of new treatments, traditional treatments, or combinations of treatments. These studies require a long approval process and have strict criteria for patient eligibility.

3. Become an Organ or Tissue Donor

Donating Your Organs

When you sign up as an organ donor, you can extend the life of someone in dire need of a replacement organ such as a kidney or a heart. You can also see a list of all the organs that can be donated after death. 

Donation Options While Alive

These donations typically take place amongst family members or close friends, however some people choose to donate to anyone who is a match. The matching process is organized by the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) and relies on many factors such as blood type, organ size, the organ’s lifespan outside of the body, and geographic distance between the donor and recipient.

The body can regenerate tissue such as bone marrow and blood after donations. While donations of organs such as a kidney or a lung will not regrow, the remaining organ, or part of the organ, will retain its functionality. Before becoming a donor, you should take into consideration how your own health may be affected. Find out which organs and tissues can be donated while alive.

Many research studies also rely on the donation of tissue. If you have a biopsy or a surgery, samples of your tissue may be taken and—if you consent—could be donated to research studies. Find out more information about this process or contact your doctor.

4. Advocate for Cancer Research in Your Community 

Getting the word out about the value of cancer research can encourage others to offer their support as well.