Every year on February 4th, the global community unites to observe World Cancer Day, a powerful occasion with a mission to “Close the Care Gap.” This global theme, championed by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), is a call to action. It reminds us that while cancer affects everyone, access to cancer treatment, diagnosis, and prevention is far from equal.
For millions of people, a cancer diagnosis is not just a medical challenge but a harsh reminder of the inequalities in healthcare. Factors like geography, income, or social background often determine who can access life-saving cancer care and who cannot.
The cancer care gap appears in many ways — from lack of early screening programs that detect cancer at treatable stages to limited availability of affordable treatment options. This inequality also extends to palliative care, leaving many patients without emotional or physical support during their journey.
The global burden of cancer is rising. While high-income countries report better survival rates, low- and middle-income nations face a steep increase in cancer incidence and mortality. Barriers include:
Insufficient public awareness about cancer prevention
Weak healthcare infrastructure
Shortage of trained oncology professionals
Limited access to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and advanced diagnostics
The care gap is not just a statistic — it’s the difference between a preventable death and a life saved.
This is where institutions like Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth step in. The School of Pharmacy has taken an active role in addressing healthcare inequities by preparing future pharmacists to support patients beyond dispensing medicines.
Pharmacists are not only medication experts but also educators, counselors, and community health leaders. At Lingaya’s, students are trained to:
Help patients manage complex medication schedules
Explain side effects in simple terms
Provide emotional and informational support to patients and families
This patient-centered approach ensures that pharmacy graduates directly contribute to closing the cancer care gap.
The pharmacy curriculum at Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth emphasizes pharmacology, patient counseling, and medication management. Students are prepared to become trusted healthcare providers who can guide communities on cancer awareness and prevention.
The commitment of Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth goes beyond classrooms. The university organizes health check-up camps, awareness drives, and cancer prevention programs that target underserved populations.
During these initiatives, students and faculty provide:
Free basic health screenings
Education on the importance of early cancer detection
Information on lifestyle choices that reduce cancer risk
These activities not only offer medical services but also build trust in communities, empowering individuals to take charge of their health.
The School of Pharmacy also encourages students to participate in public health campaigns and healthcare advocacy. By working with doctors, nurses, and social workers, students learn the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care.
Faculty mentors guide students through real-world projects, ensuring graduates are not just skilled pharmacists but also leaders in healthcare equity and cancer advocacy.
As the world works toward eliminating disparities in cancer treatment and prevention, institutions like Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth are playing a vital role. By combining education, community health service, and patient care, they are preparing a new generation of healthcare professionals dedicated to closing the cancer care gap.
The efforts of Lingaya’s faculty and students demonstrate how modern pharmacy education can drive real social change, ensuring that hope and healthcare reach everyone, regardless of income or geography.
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From
Aayush Prakash
Assistant Professor
School of Pharmacy
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