BLUE HAT BOW TIE FOR COLORECTAL CANCER –(CRC) AWARENESS
COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS
On 31st March, 2023 WOCACA joined the Global Colon Cancer Association joins colorectal cancer survivors, Care Givers, Health Advocates in Blue Hat Bow Tie for Colorectal Cancer –(CRC) Awareness to communities around the world.
The awareness in Malawi took place in Lilongwe where WOCACA had a media engagement as part awareness on Colorectal cancer. Among those present included care givers, health advocates, community workers and the media..
AIM
The main aim was to raise colorectal cancer awareness in order to promote colorectal cancer screening and bring stakeholders together in the fight against colorectal cancer.
BACKGROUND
In 2010, Ccolorectal cancer survivor and Blue Hat Foundation founder Candace Henley and her family decided to wear blue hats to church to raise colorectal cancer awareness. The church pastor noticed and asked about the significance of their blue hats and an opportunity was born to share information with their community.
Since then, the Blue Hat Bow Tie initiative has grown far beyond Candace’s family and friends and has brought together many thousands of people. Global events have included health advocates, healthcare providers and others to encourage communities to be pro-active about their colorectal cancer screenings.
GLOBAL COLORECTAL CANCER
Colorectal (also known as bowel) cancer is the 3rd most common cancer worldwide. It is the 3rd most common cancer in men and the 2nd most common cancer in women. In 2020 there were more than 1.9 million new cases of colorectal cancer.[1]
It is important to note also nearly two–thirds of annual mortality worldwide is attributable to non–communicable diseases (NCDs), with 70% estimated to occur in low– and middle–income countries (LMIC). Colorectal cancer (CRC) accounts for over 600 000 deaths annually, but data concerning cancer rates in LMIC is very poor.[2]
In Malawi, according to the latest WHO data published in 2020 Colon-Rectum Cancers deaths reached 234 or 0.24 of total deaths.[3]
According to some studies, observation indicates that there are low efforts and progresses in CRC standard and qualitative care-evidence based early diagnosis and treatment, primary prevention of modifiable risk factors and implementation of secondary prevention modality.[4]
REMARKS BY WOCACA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
WOCACA Executive Director, Maud Mwakasungula gave a briefing on Colorectal cancer in view of lack awareness as a result many people are suffering.
Mwakasungula further said, evidence shows that there is fast rising burden of colorectal cancer due to increased prevalence of modifiable risk factors such as smoking, alcohol, unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle just to name a few.
Mwakasungula said it was important for people to seek medical attention for further investigations when presented with signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer as early detection saves lives. She also urged people who have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer to adhere to treatment for better health outcomes.
ABOUT WOMEN’S COALITION AGAINST CANCER – (WOCACA)
Women’s Coalition Against Cancer, (WOCACA) is a women and girls led non -profit making, non- governmental cancer organization that was registered on 20th May, 2013 under the Trustees Incorporation Act (Cap 5.03 of the Laws of Malawi).
WOCACA was established by women and girls who are affected directly and indirectly with cancer. This was also taking into consideration that cancer especially reproductive cancers are among the leading causes of death among women and girls.
WOCACA mission is to contribute towards cancer prevention and control through advocacy, campaigns, awareness, education, training, networking, counseling, screening, timely treatment and patient support with special focus on rural women and girls.
For information Contact: -
Maud Mwakasungula
Executive Director
WOMEN'S COALITION AGAINST CANCER - (WOCACA)
European Business Center - (EBC 2), Office 5
Opposite NBS Bank , Area 3
P.O. BOX 2288
Lilongwe
Tel: -265 999 950 952
Email:- Info@wocaca.org,
Tweeter: @WocacaMw
Skype: Wocaca Cancer
[1]https://www.wcrf.org/cancer-trends/colorectal-cancer-statistics/
[2] Estimating the incidence of colorectal cancer in Sub–Saharan Africa: A systematic analysis/ litwww.
jogh.org • 10.7189/jogh.02.020404
[3] https://www.worldlifeexpectancy.com/malawi-colon-rectum-cancers
[4] Burden and trend of colorectal cancer in 54 countries of Africa 2010–2019: a systematic examination for Global Burden of Disease/ (http://ghdx.healthdata.org/gbd-results-tool).
