Around the world, cancers related to the digestive system, including colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, and oesophageal cancer (squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma), collectively known as GI Cancers are amongst the 10 most common malignant diseases. Putting the figures together, GI Cancers constitute more than 25% of all cancer incidences globally.
Unlike many other malignant diseases, however, GI Cancers are preventable if proper measures are taken and also treatable when diagnosed early before the advanced stages are reached. There is good evidence to show that treatment of H. pylori infection, screening for colorectal cancers using stool test and / or colonoscopy, and surveillance of the oesophagus in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Barrett’s esophagus can lead to reduced incidence and improved outcomes for these conditions.
It is because of these encouraging results that the WGO has launched a year-round program in support of World Digestive Health Day 2019 focusing on GI Cancers. A group of experts from five continents around the world will summarize the latest scientific evidence in support of cancer prevention strategies, efficacy of cancer screening, and recent advances in cancer treatment to inform the general public and family physicians around the world. We will join hands to promulgate this knowledge and relevant guidelines through news and media programs, publications, social media, and supporting regional health programs.
Let us join together to fight the most common gastrointestinal cancers which threaten the lives of so many of the global population.
Kentaro Sugano Tokyo, Japan Co-Chair, WDHD 2019 |
Joseph Sung Hong Kong, China Co-Chair, WDHD 2019 |
Richard Hunt Hamilton, Canada Co-Chair, WDHD 2019 |
Learn more about WDHD 2019 today by visiting any of the following WDHD 2019 webpages: |
WGO invites your participation in WDHD 2019. While the official date of WDHD is 29 May 2019, many events take place throughout the year. We encourage you to get involved in the campaign by creating exciting ways to advocate and raise awareness around the early diagnosis and treatment of GI cancer. Below are a few ways that you can TAKE ACTION and CELEBRATE in your community. WGO is appreciative of all participants and for their continued efforts to support the WDHD campaign.
Take Action |
Celebrate |
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Create your own way to TAKE ACTION to support WDHD, and share with us! | Create your own way to CELEBRATE WDHD, and share with us! |
Please visit www.worldgastroenterology.org/forms/submit-event.php to officially submit your event for inclusion on the WGO Meetings and Events calendar.
For questions regarding WDHD 2019, please email info@worldgastroenterology.org.