Today, C/Can marks a major milestone. Our first anniversary of being a Foundation, and three years since C/Can was launched by the Union for International Cancer Control. It’s a time to reflect, and most importantly to recognise the contributions of the more than 1200 health professionals and 900 patients who we have had the privilege to work with.
These are the true agents of change.
Most of us are unaware of the diversity of the community of people who support a patient through their cancer diagnosis and treatment. We rarely hear about the pathologist who makes the precise diagnosis to inform the best treatment. The medical physicist who assists in the safe and accurate delivery of radiotherapy. Or, the pharmacist who ensures the proper preparation of chemotherapy. Along with surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, nurses, palliative care specialists, allied health professionals, psycho-oncologists and many others, working in hospitals, clinics, and community organisations, these are the committed people who change the lives of patients every day.
At C/Can, our aim is to support this inspiring community, learning from their knowledge and insights, and connecting them with other communities and partners in their city, region and the world, with over 177 institutions engaged to date. As of 2019, C/Can also began mobilising our own network of influence to provide professional development opportunities, with 605 people participating in workshops, exchanges and other capacity building offers. However, greater investment in workforce training and delivery models is needed urgently to achieve lasting change and deliver on the promise of universal health coverage.
So, on the occasion of our anniversary, my wish is for greater investment in these extraordinary agents of change. Let’s celebrate their commitment, raise their voices, and help them continue their work to make access to sustainable cancer care a priority for everybody, wherever they live in the world.
Dr Susan Henshall
CEO, City Cancer Challenge
