Today is World Thrombosis Day, which is particularly celebrated amongst the ECPC community.
World Thrombosis Day focuses attention on the often overlooked and misunderstood condition of thrombosis. World Thrombosis Day seeks to increase global awareness of thrombosis, including its causes, risk factors, signs, symptoms and evidence-based prevention and treatment. Ultimately, on this day, we strive to reduce death and disability caused by the condition.
Share our social media messages on Twitter and Facebook – read the article related to thrombosis published by EurActiv in cooperation with ECPC.
Cancer is a leading cause of death, with over 8 million cancer-related deaths reported worldwide in each year. The European Commission has set a goal for reducing cancer-related deaths by 15% by 2020.
Cancer-associated thrombosis is linked with poor prognosis, and it is the second leading cause of death in people with cancer. Venous thromboembolism is a common cause of cancer-associated thrombosis and often involves potentially-fatal blockage of a lung artery (pulmonary embolism) and of veins in the leg (deep vein thrombosis). The risk of death for cancer patients with venous thromboembolism is more than 3-times greater than that for non-cancer patients with venous thromboembolism.
People diagnosed with cancer should be aware that minor lifestyle changes can make a difference in decreasing the risk of cancer-associated thrombosis. They can increase their levels of physical activity by moving their feet and taking a short walk. They can reach out to health professionals to help them quit smoking. They can stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine. They can talk to their health professionals about compression socks and stockings.
The European Cancer Patient Coalition is working to educate people with cancer about cancer-associated thrombosis, as well as to highlight the issue to policymakers. Cancer-associated thrombosis needs to be made a priority issue for health professionals and policy-makers. Investing in the prevention, early diagnosis, and timely treatment of cancer-associated thrombosis has the potential to saves lives and healthcare resources.
Download the white paper on cancer-associated thrombosis
Would you like to find out more? Visit Thrombosis educational section on ECPC website at: ecpc.org//edu/thrombosis