Santa Cruz de Tenerife 19 Feb. (Europa Press) –
The speaker of the Parliament of the Canary Islands, Astrid Pérez, has urged on Wednesday to enhance “visibility” for the battle against cancer to raise “social awareness” and described it as “crucial” to increase cooperation between public authorities and associations, noting that contributions from members alone “are insufficient.”
At the commencement of the parliamentary sessions addressing cancer, she expressed the support of the regional assembly to “improve the quality of life for patients even further” and aims to eliminate the illness through research or to make it “less daunting and more manageable.”
She stated that “no one is exempt from cancer knocking at their door” as it can “impact anyone,” transforming it into a “challenge” that patients and their families must confront with “bravery, resolve and fortitude.”
Pérez reported that last year in the Canary Islands, over 12,300 instances of cancer were diagnosed, with 4,700 fatalities, amidst a backdrop where the prevalence of cancer has risen by over 25.5 percent in the past decade.
She indicated that there will be “extremely high-level” presentations and expressed confidence that the sessions will serve as “inspiration” for all, emphasising that the most common cancer is colorectal, with 1,754 new cases identified on the islands last year, followed by breast cancer with 1,638 diagnoses, prostate cancer with 1,553, and lung cancer, which accounted for 1,380 cases.
The president of Parliament also extended her “recognition” to all medical professionals and researchers who “dedicate their lives and souls” to battling and aiding patients, as well as the associations that “struggle tirelessly with limited resources throughout the year to assist these individuals and strive to enhance care services.”
