Concerns about cancer patients
Starting this year, the National Cancer Survivor Day is marked on the first Sunday in June.
Daniela Budu, 06.06.2022, 13:50
The National Cancer Survivor Day was marked for the first time in Romania on June 5 through events aimed at conveying hope and support messages to the survivors of this disease. Events that raised awareness over the legal rights these people have were also held. Doctors warned, on this occasion, that many cancer cases, whose degree of complexity is increasing constantly, can be avoided through medical checks. The importance of prevention in increasing the chance of cancer patients to survival was brought to the attention of the Bucharest Parliament on the last day of the European week dedicated to the fight against this disease, marked from May 25 to 31. Political decision makers, doctors and patients alike emphasized the fact that early diagnosis and personalized treatment can prolong the life of cancer patients and can even cure the disease in some cases. According to statistics, some 40% of cancer cases can be prevented, and people should know that medicine has evolved a great deal.
Attending a National Conference of Cancer Patients Associations in Bucharest, State Secretary with the Health Ministry, Andrei Baciu, said that cancer is no longer a final sentence. Patients, on the other hand, said they are still faced with numerous obstacles. They reminded that not all radiotherapy investigations and treatments are subsidized by the state, just like surgeries in private hospitals, and that there is a deficit of specialized medical staff. For four days, specialists and representatives of the authorities discussed and analyzed numerous aspects of the disease and the best ways to prevent and treat it.
The Federation of Cancer Patient Associations said in a release that the gap between Romania and the civilized and responsible countries in Europe is of six or seven years in terms of cancer prevention and treatment. Nevertheless, patients voiced hope that the National Plan for Cancer Prevention and Control will have a legal framework as soon as possible and that the quality of their life will change. In turn, PM Nicolae Ciuca gave assurances that this Plan will represent a change towards personalized medicine, with a more precise diagnosis and a treatment adjusted to the needs of each particular patient. According to Ciuca, the psychological aspect of treatment will also be considered, and early diagnosis will be prioritized.
In solidarity with cancer patients, the yellow water lily, the symbol of the fight against cancer, was projected for two hours on the Government headquarters in Bucharest. Also, the biggest international charity marathon, aimed to promote woman health and the fight against breast cancer has been held this year as well and the funds collected will be used to offer free medical investigations to vulnerable women. Radio Romania Regional, through Bucharest FM, has launched Radio Teri, a programme dedicated to children undergoing cancer treatment in hospital. (EE)
