​Learn more about how ACS is working toward equity in cancer care for all.​​​

Equity in cancer care is at the heart of the American Cancer Society’s mission. And we know cancer impacts everyone, in every country. That’s why World Cancer Day – which is Sunday, Feb. 4 – is an ideal time to learn more about what ACS is doing to help end cancer as we know it around the globe, for everyone. The theme of this year’s event is “close the care gap.” 

A few quick facts about cancer around the world:

• Cancer is the 2^nd leading cause of death worldwide and is responsible for 10 million deaths a year.
• Globally, about 1 in 6 deaths is due to cancer and approximately 70% occur in low- and middle-income countries.

Around the world, ACS is focused on global cancer prevention, treatment, and patient support. The organization collaborates with partners in low and middle-income countries to reduce the stark disparities in cancer outcomes. We work through both advocacy and patient support to improve the lives of cancer patients and their families.

• Convening cancer survivors to advocate for cervical cancer elimination.
• Promoting the uptake of HPV vaccination to prevent cervical cancer.
• Supporting the African Cancer Coalition’s effort to develop and disseminate national policies and the NCCN Harmonized Guidelines for Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Improving access to essential cancer medicines.
• Expanding patient navigation program design and implementation through our BEACON Initiative.
• Developing and disseminating cancer education materials for patients and caregivers and training health care workers in patient-centered education through the EQUIPPED Initiative. 
• And improving safe handling and administration of chemotherapy through ChemoSafe.

What can you do?

• Look for World Cancer Day-related posts on ACS brand social media channels this weekend for opportunities to amplify these messages to your own networks. Check out the Q1 social media toolkit for more resources.
• Read more about how ACS CAN, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, and the National Minority Quality Forum are announcing three key areas of policy focus as part of the Alliance for Cancer Care Equity joint collaboration in honor of World Cancer Day. The effort focuses on advancing diversity in clinical trials, improving cancer screening and early detection, and increasing access to patient navigation.
• Relay For Life and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer registration efforts over the next few days will also include World Cancer Day-related messages. 
• Learn more about ACS’ work around the world – and be sure to check out The Cancer Atlas, which includes an interactive online resource where you can discover more by country or trend.