World Cancer Day was celebrated by many countries last Thursday, recognized to show the importance of fighting cancer and decreasing the rate of this fatal disease. The National Cancer Control Foundation in Yemen celebrated the World Cancer Day under the motto Cancer can be prevented too. The foundation launched its 2010 campaign. This year’s theme focuses on how the risk of developing cancer can significantly be reduced through simple measures related to tobacco use, alcohol consumption, sun exposure, healthy weight and protection against cancer-causing infections.

There is no a precise percentage of cancer patients in Yemen, but a huge number of cancer patients are hospitalized in most of Yemen’s hospitals.

The National Cancer Control Foundation has been catering to cancer patients in Yemen for the past several years. Its short-term goals have been providing the current number of cancer patients with immediate health and treatment services and the long term goals are establishing a fully equipped treatment center catering to cancer patients exclusively. Funds are its main problem; however governmental support has been always presented. Last Thursday, the foundation didn’t only celebrate the day in Sana’a, but also in Aden. Its Aden branch did many activities in order to arise more awareness concerning fighting cancer through rising awareness events, distributing brochures and having panel discussions on several general institutions on fighting cancer issue.

According to the World Health Organization, cancer is going to end 84 million people’s lives around the world between 2005 and 2010, if immediate and tangible procedures are not taken.

Yemen has stepped shy steps in expanding and improving its health care system, hence the system remains severely underdeveloped. In a conspicuous attempt to bring more attention and care to cancer patients across the country, the Vice President, Abdo Rabo Mansur Hadi inaugurated Cancer Patients Care House next to al-Gumhuri Hospital, last Thursday. The house is intended to provide women and children with a high level care including high levels of treatment and nutritional care. It’s also anticipated to expand in all its health services.