World Cancer Day
Every year, 4 February is the fixed date for World Cancer Day - an international day of action organised by the UICC (Union for International Cancer Control) and other organisations. Its aim is to raise public awareness of scientific research, prevention and treatment of cancer. Cancer is one of the most common causes of death worldwide. Almost everyone knows someone who has been, is or will be directly affected by cancer.
From 2025 to 2027, the campaign motto ‘United by Unique’ will bring us together on World Cancer Day. This campaign aims to recognise diversity in the population: Everyone has unique needs, unique perspectives and unique stories to tell, but despite these differences, together we share the goal of reducing the global burden of cancer and providing quality cancer care for all. Together, we show that in real life, no two cancer stories are identical and that everyone deserves treatment that meets their individual needs.


Every story is unique
Cancer is more than just a medical diagnosis - it is a deeply personal matter. Behind every diagnosis is a unique human story - of grief, pain, healing, resilience, love and more. That's why a person-centred approach to cancer treatment, which takes into account the individual needs of each person with compassion and empathy, leads to the best health outcomes. Every cancer patient is unique, and we must all join together to create a world where we look beyond the disease and see the person before the patient. People like this:
Making the soul dance
Eva-Maria was diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of six and was later diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. She successfully overcame the cancer, but the muscle weakness is still with her. A wheelchair was the first consequence, followed years later by a tracheotomy. Eva can now only move her fingers. But she can dance!

City whispers
The diagnosis of laryngeal cancer initially turned Hans' life completely upside down. What was to happen next? Fortunately, his recovery after the laryngectomy went without a hitch, and he quickly learnt to speak in a whisper - it's just that he still can't quite manage to speak out loud. Nevertheless, he organises city tours. Necessity is the mother of invention!

A desire to help instead of everyday frustration
Leoni had leukaemia. Unfortunately, the bone marrow transplant led to a very rare defence reaction: her body developed a degenerative disease (chronic GvHD). Leonie's lungs are now severely damaged, which is why she has a tracheostomy and is permanently ventilated. Although her body is extremely limited, her mind is in top shape!


No disease has been researched as intensively as cancer. Today, the disease is viewed from different perspectives within various medical specialties. As a result, the need for interdisciplinary cooperation has emerged over time. In addition to medical, therapeutic and nursing expertise, the professional use of needs-based aids forms an elementary part of patient care.
Head and neck tumours
Head and neck tumours, which include laryngeal cancer, account for 5 per cent1 of all cancers worldwide. Despite the severity of the disease and the increasing prevalence, awareness in society is relatively low, which can lead to the head and neck tumour already being at an advanced stage by the time a diagnosis is made. In most cases, the tumour develops in the epithelial cells of the mucous membrane of the tongue, throat, oral cavity and larynx. Data from the last ten years indicate that there has been a noticeable increase in head and neck tumours. Although men are affected 2-3 x1 more often, the number of women suffering from the disease has also increased considerably. Most diseases develop after the age of 401. Smoking, alcohol and HPV (human papilloma virus) are considered to be triggering risk factors.
What are the typical signs of laryngeal cancer?
Typical signs of the disease may include chronic cough, persistent hoarseness, foreign body sensation, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, frequent clearing of the throat or damage to the mucous membranes in the mouth.1 If signs or symptoms persist for longer than three weeks, a specialist should be consulted.1 National screening programmes support the necessary measures.
How is laryngeal cancer treated?
In many patients with advanced head and neck tumours, the placing of a tracheostoma is often unavoidable. The change in the airways for breathing through a stoma may be temporary in the case of a tracheostomy, or permanent in the case of a laryngectomy, which means living with a permanent tracheostoma. Affected individuals then require various aids for airway management. In such cases, a FAHL tracheostomy tube, for example the SPIRAFLEX®, DURAVENT® or LARYNGOTEC® PRO in combination with an artificial nose, e.g. LARYVOX® EXTRA HME, is primarily indicated.
The needs-based product adaptation for the patient is implemented on an interdisciplinary basis by the specialist physician together with our certified medical device consultants and possibly other therapists. Regular visits by our medical device consultants to the patient's home later give them the necessary confidence in using their aids and ensure professional and long-term after-care outside the hospital.
What happens when laryngeal cancer is diagnosed?

A diagnosis of advanced laryngeal cancer usually requires surgery, such as a partial or complete removal of the larynx, the so-called a laryngectomy. The affected individual then has various options for voice rehabilitation. The initiation of the body's own ructus voice (oesophageal substitute voice) is the oldest method.
For several decades now, a further option has been the use of a voice prosthesis, which is placed in a so-called shunt canal between the oesophagus and trachea as part of an initial surgical procedure. Examples of voice prostheses include the Blom-Singer® Classic Indwelling or Blom-Singer® DUAL VALVE™ Indwelling Voice Prosthesis.
Alternatively, different models of electronic speech aids are also available. Tumour diseases are always a serious diagnosis, often accompanied by a noticeable change to a person's life situation. Our specialised teams for the provision of aids, including ventilation and oxygen therapy, offer continuous support, advice and guidance, also in coordination with our department for speech therapy. The common goal is to identify available rehabilitation potentials and to enable an individually suitable provision of aids through our extensive product range. After all, the best possible results of rehabilitation improve quality of life permanently!


References:
1Make Sense Campaign
www.kopf-hals-krebs.de
www.worldcancerday.org
www.krebsgesellschaft.de
Krebsliga Schweiz