In Harmony With Cancer

Make dignified health care systems, not war

As a histology independent treatment, entrectinib targets all solid tumors that have a certain genetic mutation (a neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) gene fusion), regardless of where the cancer originated in the body [(Photo: iStock), found in: pharmacy.biz]

Even if only a few days have gone since the World Cancer Day (04.02.2019), the echo of what has been said, shaped by a negative tone, still bothers me.

Above all, I am concerned about the proclamation of the War On Cancer by public figures in a provocative and self-evident way.

My thirty-year-old engagement in the disease allows me to see such heavy and insubstantial proclamations from a very critical point of view.

And I am wondering:

Who declares the war? Who benefits from this? Who are the victims? Under which circumstances is this war taken place?

The answers to the above questions are limited to a few lines:

The World War on Cancer, which has been announced by international organizations thanks to the generous sponsorship of the cancer industry, will have more victims than 'winners'. Because such a war could never be won under global conditions of impoverishment and commercialization of health systems as well as the collapse and elimination of public health systems.

I do not think that war rhetoric will lead us anywhere. Instead of war, I recommend living in harmony with cancer.

Precisely, I refer to on-time access to qualitative diagnostic, therapeutic, and palliative services, particularly in terms of social justice and equality.

It is a fundamental and important human right, which has been systematically violated. 

As a physician, I do believe that we have to focus on it. 

Let's think about it before we re-arm.  

#InHarmonyWithCancer

written by

Dr. med. Thanasis Bagatzounis

Radiation Oncologist

Volunteer Consultant at Ethno Health & Arts by Jopa

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