Climate change: why oncologists need to get involved

A warming planet will have devasting effects on human health – including the care, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer patients. As oncology health care professionals, we have a moral and professional obligation to educate our peers, health systems, the public, and other stakeholders as to the dangers they can expect, and how they can be prevented or mitigated. There are numerous ways that we, as trusted messengers, can take action, either personally, locally, nationally, or by supporting non-profit organizations advocating for climate change and cancer. Impact of climate change on human health. Source: National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/climateandhealth/effects/default.htm .