World Cancer Day is observed on 4 February and draws attention to prevention and early diagnosis, as well as to the need to stand with everyone facing this serious disease. Medical experts stress that finding cancer early greatly improves the chances of successful treatment, which is why public awareness of screenings and access to modern diagnostic services remain essential.
This year, the day holds particular significance, as Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Katherine addresses the public after completing her own treatment and, with renewed strength and hope, continues her humanitarian work with an even greater focus on supporting those affected by cancer.
While reflecting on her treatment Crown Princess Katherine expressed her deep gratitude to all who supported her through this difficult time.
“In my most difficult moments I received tens of thousands of messages and prayers from people around .the world. Knowing that I was not alone gave me strength when I needed it most. I am profoundly grateful to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York and UPMC in Pittsburgh whose expertise and care were essential to my recovery, as well as to my family, friends, donors and supporters and everyone who stood by me during this challenge,” said Crown Princess Katherine.
She emphasized that her personal experience strengthened her conviction about the importance of prevention and early detection. “Cancer does not affect only the body, it also tests the spirit. Early diagnosis saves lives and hope gives the strength needed for recovery. That is why we must keep investing in prevention and education and in access to modern diagnostic equipment for all who need it.”
Even during her treatment Crown Princess Katherine remained engaged in initiatives focused on strengthening healthcare and supporting the most vulnerable. During this period she donated a state-of-the-art mobile mammography unit to the Institute of Public Health of Serbia “Dr Milan Jovanović Batut.” A mobile mammography unit previously donated by Her Royal Highness has already enabled more than 200,000 examinations for women across Serbia, making a significant contribution to early breast cancer detection.
The Crown Princess Katherine Foundation in Belgrade continues to support healthcare institutions through donations of medical equipment, professional cooperation and public campaigns focused on prevention. In cooperation with the offices of the Lifeline Humanitarian Organization in Chicago, New York, Toronto, London and Athens – of which Crown Princess Katherine has been a proud patron for more than three decades – as well as through the Serbian Medical Diaspora Conference, collaboration with leading international medical centers, particularly in oncology, continues to expand.
“With renewed strength, I continue my mission of helping people. My wish is that no one faces this illness alone and that together we build a system in which early diagnosis, quality healthcare, and support are accessible to all,” concluded Crown Princess Katherine, calling on everyone to join her on this journey and help bring hope and support to those battling cancer.
World Cancer Day is a reminder that prevention and access to care remain central to reducing the burden of cancer worldwide.
