Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Living Long-Term with Advanced Cancer
Introduction
I learned about the concept of living long-term with advanced cancer while reading a research review article (https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/14/16/3889). This term accurately describes my personal experience as I strive to live better with metastatic breast cancer. In this report, we will explore the significance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the context of living long-term with advanced cancer.
The Reality of Living Long-Term with Advanced Cancer
When I was first diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, I was overwhelmed by the statistics and the prognosis of 36 months. Although there have been some improvements in treatment options, living long-term with advanced disease is still not the norm in breast cancer. However, for some individuals who fall under the category of oligometastatic or exceptional responders, there is the possibility of living longer with this disease. Due to the novelty of this experience for many advanced cancers, there is limited knowledge about it.
The Space Between Cure and Death
In the past, individuals with cancer were either considered cured or dead. However, there is now a space where many of us live, some for a few extra years and some for decades. Personally, I started living in this uncertain space between cure and death in 2018 when the alarm of the 36-month prognosis stopped ringing and I continued waking up each morning.
Conscious Decision-Making and Response Shift
Living in this in-between space requires conscious decision-making, especially during low points. Reframing setbacks and struggles with cancer has been crucial for me to maintain hope. Every scan and treatment brings its own challenges, but I continuously reassess the big and small aspects of my life. This process aligns with the psychological concept known as response shift, which involves adjusting expectations and goals to accommodate changed circumstances. It is necessary for maintaining a good quality of life. Response shift is observed as repetitively readapting by finding or searching for new meaning in life and reconsidering life decisions or future plans.
Redefining, Readapting, and Reconsidering
Redefining, readapting, and reconsidering have become integral parts of my journey with cancer. These actions require intention, effort, and honesty with oneself. By consciously shifting my response to challenges, I have been able to find moments of relief and lightness amidst the darkness of this disease.
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
The article discusses the effects of living long-term with advanced cancer and the challenges faced by individuals in this situation. It highlights the need for good health and well-being (SDG 3) for those living with advanced cancer. It also touches upon the importance of education (SDG 4) to increase knowledge and understanding of this experience. The article mentions the inequality in prognosis and outcomes for individuals with advanced cancer, indicating a connection to SDG 10. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for supportive institutions and partnerships (SDG 16 and SDG 17) to improve the quality of life for those living with advanced cancer.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
- Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles.
- Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
- Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
- Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.
Based on the issues discussed in the article, the following targets can be identified. Target 3.4 focuses on reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases and promoting mental health and well-being. Target 4.7 emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge and skills needed for sustainable development through education. Target 10.2 aims to promote social inclusion and reduce inequalities. Target 16.3 highlights the importance of equal access to justice, while Target 17.17 emphasizes the need for effective partnerships to address the challenges faced by individuals living with advanced cancer.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator: Number of deaths and illness attributed to non-communicable diseases
- Indicator: Availability of educational resources and programs on advanced cancer
- Indicator: Measures of social inclusion and equality in cancer care
- Indicator: Access to justice and legal support for individuals with advanced cancer
- Indicator: Existence of partnerships and collaborations in cancer research and support
The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators, but based on the identified targets, the following indicators can be used to measure progress:
– The number of deaths and illness attributed to non-communicable diseases can indicate progress towards Target 3.4.
– The availability of educational resources and programs on advanced cancer can be an indicator for Target 4.7.
– Measures of social inclusion and equality in cancer care, such as access to treatment and support services, can be used to measure progress towards Target 10.2.
– Access to justice and legal support for individuals with advanced cancer can indicate progress towards Target 16.3.
– The existence of partnerships and collaborations in cancer research and support can be an indicator for Target 17.17.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. | Indicator: Number of deaths and illness attributed to non-communicable diseases |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles. | Indicator: Availability of educational resources and programs on advanced cancer |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. | Indicator: Measures of social inclusion and equality in cancer care |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all. | Indicator: Access to justice and legal support for individuals with advanced cancer |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships. | Indicator: Existence of partnerships and collaborations in cancer research and support |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: curetoday.com
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