As the world marks World Cancer Day on february 4th – an annual observance launched by the Union for International Cancer Control in 2000 – a spotlight is cast on the global fight against a disease that claimed an estimated 9.7 million lives in 2022. Beyond raising awareness and funding research, the day also highlights the personal battles fought and won by public figures who have faced cancer, offering a message of hope and resilience. This report profiles several prominent individuals – including former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, singer Tina Turner, actor Hugh Jackman, and Lebanese artist Elissa, and also Egyptian performer Sherihan – and their experiences with the disease.
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في الرابع من فبراير/شباط من كل عام، يحيي العالم “اليوم العالمي لمكافحة السرطان”، ضمن حملة سنوية أطلقها “الاتحاد الدولي لمكافحة السرطان” عام 2000، بهدف توحيد الجهود العالمية لمواجهة المرض، والدعوة إلى تحقيق العدالة في الوصول إلى التشخيص والعلاج والرعاية المُنقذة للحياة.
ينشأ السرطان نتيجة “تحوّل الخلايا الطبيعية إلى خلايا ورمية عبر عملية متعددة المراحل، تتطوّر عادة من آفة محتملة التسرطن إلى أورام خبيثة، بفعل تفاعل العوامل الوراثية مع مؤثرات خارجية”، وفق تعريف “منظمة الصحة العالمية”.
وتظهر أحدث التقديرات العالمية لعام 2022 الصادرة عن المنظمة أنّ السرطان يتسبّب بوفاة نحو 9.7 مليون شخص سنوياً حول العالم، ما يجعله أحد أبرز مسبّبات الوفيات المرتبطة بالأمراض غير المعدية، مع عبء أثقل على البلدان منخفضة ومتوسطة الدخل، حيث ترتفع معدلات الوفاة بسبب محدودية الوصول إلى الكشف المبكر والعلاج الفعّال.
ولا يقتصر “اليوم العالمي لمكافحة السرطان” على نشر الوعي أو دعم الأبحاث العلمية، بل يشكّل أيضاً مناسبة لاستعادة قصص إنسانية غيّرت نظرة العالم إلى المرض، إذ لم يكن السرطان نهاية الطريق لكثيرين، بل تجربة أعادت رسم مساراتهم.
في ما يلي قائمة بعدد من الشخصيات العامة والفنانين الذين تمكنوا من التغلّب على السرطان.
رونالد ريغان
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رونالد ريغان، الرئيس الأربعون للولايات المتحدة، ولد في 6 فبراير/شباط 1911، وعمل ممثلاً في هوليوود قبل دخوله الحياة السياسية، ثم تولّى الرئاسة بين عامي 1981 و1989.
In 1985, President Reagan was diagnosed with colon cancer and underwent surgery to remove a tumor. The development prompted widespread concern at the time, given his age and the demands of the presidency.
His doctors said at the time that early detection contributed to the success of the treatment. He reportedly said during his recovery, “Let’s get on with the rest of our lives,” signaling his desire to resume his normal activities.
During his treatment, Reagan continued to follow state affairs, and later supported efforts to raise awareness about the importance of early medical checkups for cancer detection.
Ronald Reagan died on June 5, 2004, at the age of 93.
Tina Turner
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Tina Turner, the legendary American singer, was born on November 26, 1939, in Tennessee, and became known for her distinctive voice and fiery performances that combined dancing, singing, and acting.
In 2016, Turner was diagnosed with intestinal cancer, requiring swift and precise medical intervention. She underwent surgery to remove the affected part, and early detection of the disease was a key factor in her successful treatment and recovery.
Turner demonstrated strong will during treatment, facing significant physical and emotional challenges, but maintaining a positive spirit, continuing to pursue her professional and personal life. This made her a model of strength and resilience in the face of illness.
After her recovery, Turner became an advocate for health awareness, urging everyone to undergo regular checkups and early detection, emphasizing that will and health awareness can turn a difficult experience into a story of victory.
Tina Turner died on May 24, 2023, at the age of 83, leaving behind a great artistic and humanitarian legacy.
Hugh Jackman
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Australian actor Hugh Jackman, born on October 12, 1968, is globally recognized for his role in the “X-Men” film series, alongside his work in musical theater and cinema.
Over the years, Jackman has announced several times that he has been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, undergoing surgical procedures to remove the tumors, emphasizing that the cases he experienced were treated in the early stages.
Doctors reassured him that this type of cancer is curable when detected early, and he urged the public to commit to using sunscreen and undergoing regular skin checks.
Jackman continues his artistic activity alongside his participation in awareness campaigns about skin cancer prevention and the importance of early detection.
Elissa
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Lebanese singer Elissa was born on October 27, 1972, and emerged as one of the most prominent artists in the Arab music scene since the late 1990s, with a career full of successful albums and awards.
In late 2017, she announced a diagnosis of breast cancer and underwent surgery along with intensive medical treatment, before later revealing her recovery from the disease.
During treatment, Elissa spoke openly about her experience, calling on women to undergo regular checkups and early detection, emphasizing the importance of health awareness in increasing chances of recovery.
After her recovery, Elissa continued her artistic activity, along with her participation in awareness campaigns related to breast cancer and supporting patients.
Elissa remains artistically present today, continuing to release new works and participate in concerts inside and outside the Arab world.
Sherihan
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Sherihan, the Egyptian star of revue, was born on December 6, 1964, and was known for her works that combined acting, singing, and revue, making her one of the most prominent stars of theater and drama in Egypt and the Arab world.
In 2002, she was diagnosed with salivary gland cancer, a rare type of cancer, requiring a series of surgical procedures and medical treatments over many years.
During treatment, Sherihan disappeared from the art scene before announcing her recovery from the disease and returning to public appearances.
In several interviews and statements, Sherihan spoke about her experience with treatment, emphasizing the importance of family and psychological support in dealing with the disease.
Sherihan returned to appearances in artistic and media events in recent years, after an absence of more than a decade.
A Symbol of Willpower
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The cancer diagnoses of public figures often become part of the discussion about the disease and how to cope with it.
Over the years, politicians, artists, and thinkers have faced cancer at different stages of their lives, with some continuing their activities after treatment, while others have rearranged their personal and professional priorities. These paths vary depending on the nature of the disease, the stage of detection, and the level of care available.
Some of those affected have invested their experiences in supporting awareness campaigns for prevention and early detection, or in calling for improved health care services and patient rights.
These cases help reduce the stigma associated with cancer, by showing that the disease can be dealt with, and that diagnosis does not necessarily mean stopping life or work.
At the same time, these stories remind us that access to diagnosis and treatment is not equal for everyone, and that health and economic disparities still largely determine the course of the disease and its outcomes for millions of people around the world.