By Emmanuella Nzeribe
The pains that chemotherapy patients go through during palliative care has always been very daunting and overwhelming for them and for their families. No doubt cancer has globally placed so much burden emotionally, economically, physically, and socially wise. Research has shown that Cancer happens to be the second leading cause of death which is responsible for an estimated number of 9.6 million deaths in 2018. Globally, there are about 1 in 6 deaths caused by cancer. (WHO,2020).
The World Cancer Day (WCD) is a day recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) to create awareness about cancer and also stand in solidarity for patients. It is with all commitment to act on reducing the impact of cancer globally of which every February 4th is designated for it. The theme for this year is the ultimate year which is ‘Together, all actions matter’ centers on the fact that all collaborative efforts no matter how little do matter so much in this fight especially in the part of sharing the right information and giving hope and strength to those in need. For the past 20 years, WCD has been celebrated to remind us of the power and co-operation which is needed to create a healthier and better world without cancer.
The fight so far has been a great one. We have succeeded in increasing awareness, however; this can only get better.
Also, this year came with the additional issue of a pandemic which strained the healthcare system all over the world with having patients wondering if they will make it through; policymakers wondering how to cure cancer.
Young Pharmacists have a huge role to play asides creating awareness. We have a role to play by reducing the pains patients go through either by getting alternative remedies and research work.
Seeking more advocacy for patients even if it is to get the medications free. Oncology pharmacists are currently involved in many clinical and administrative functions including multidisciplinary management. As young pharmacists; there is the need to prepare for the increased use of oral oncology agents and immunotherapy.
Pharmacist involvement in value-based reimbursement and other data-based quality outcome measurements should be increased to optimize involvement in team-based patient care and amongst all of these patient educations is one of the roles of the Pharmacist.
Together, this fight can be a win and made a thing of the past- creating a healthier world for all.
REFERENCES
World Health Organization (2020). Accessed on 22nd January, 2021. Available at https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer
Robert J Ignoffo et al (2020). Trends in the delivery of care to oncology patients in the United States: Emphasis on the role pharmacists on the healthcare team. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1078155220907674
