Despite a recent nationwide increase in the minimum wage, many employers in Laos are still paying their workers less than the mandated amount.
Laos, China Launch QR Payment System for Cashless Tourism

Traveling between Laos and China is now easier with a QR payment system that enables tourists to make cashless transactions. Chinese visitors can already use QR codes, with plans for Laotian travelers to follow.
On 19 December, the Lao National Payment Network Company Limited (LAPNet) and China’s UnionPay International (UPI) signed an agreement in Shanghai to introduce a QR code-based system connecting the two countries’ payment networks.
The initiative allows payments between LAPNet and UPI members via the UnionPay mobile app, which supports over 160 e-wallets in 37 countries.
Under the system, UnionPay users can pay at merchants linked to eight LAPNet member banks, including Banque Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao Public (BCEL), Joint Development Bank (JDB), and Agricultural Promotion Bank (APB).
The first phase, China Scan Laos, is now active, allowing Chinese tourists to use the system in Laos. The second phase, Laos Scan China, will soon let Lao travelers enjoy the same convenience in China, though the exact start date is yet to be announced.
China is now the fourth country to launch a cross-border payment system with Laos, following similar initiatives with Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia.
Santa Claus rally 2024: key trends and tips by global broker Octa

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 December 2024 – As the year draws to a close, traders are turning their attention to the Santa Claus rally, a period known for delivering consistent market gains. Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa Broker, explores the rally’s history, key factors, and strategies that enable traders to capitalise on this annual phenomenon.

Understanding the Santa Claus Rally
The Santa Claus rally refers to a pattern of rising stock prices during the final trading days of December and the first two days of January. Yale Hirsch, founder of the Stock Trader’s Almanac, first identified this phenomenon in 1972. Historical analysis from 1950 to 2022 shows an 80% occurrence rate, with stock prices increasing in 58 out of the 72 years reviewed.
While the exact timing of the rally can vary, its strongest impact typically occurs in the last week of December. Some analysts suggest the trend may begin as early as Black Friday, while others link it to increased holiday shopping throughout December.
Reasons Behind the Santa Claus Rally
Several factors contribute to this seasonal trend:
- Consumer spending surge. The holiday season boosts retail activity significantly, with companies in essential goods and consumer sectors often seeing their stock values rise. This uptick in sales during Christmas and New Year directly impacts market optimism.
- Institutional quiet period. Towards the end of the year, many institutional investors take a step back from active trading, creating a less volatile environment dominated by retail traders. This shift often injects positivity into the markets, as retail investors tend to approach trading with more optimism.
- Seasonal bonuses and festive sentiment. Year-end bonuses provide traders with additional capital, often reinvested into the markets. Combined with the general cheer of the holiday season, this creates a buoyant atmosphere, driving demand for assets across various sectors.
Market Expectations for 2024
This year, expectations for a Santa Claus rally remain high. Bank of America analysts predict that the rally could kick off soon. Investor optimism following weaker-than-expected U.S. inflation data in November is driving the market. If inflation continues to decline and the Federal Reserve is willing to ease its monetary policy further, U.S. indices could reach new all-time highs, buoyed by steady economic performance and strong market sentiment.
Four tips for traders
- Focus on key sectors. Retail and consumer goods stocks often outperform during this period. Identifying high-performing companies in these sectors can align trading decisions with market trends.
- Study historical patterns. While no trend is guaranteed, analysing historical data can offer valuable insights into potential market movements. For instance, stock indices have historically gained 1–2.2% during the Santa Claus rally.
- Set clear goals. Establishing realistic profit targets and placing stop-loss orders can help traders protect their capital while participating in this seasonal trend.
- Practice risk management. The Santa Claus rally is largely sentiment-driven, making it less predictable than trends tied to economic fundamentals. External factors, such as geopolitical developments or unexpected economic data, can disrupt this pattern.
The Santa Claus rally offers traders an exciting opportunity to close the year on a high note. Understanding its underlying drivers and implementing disciplined strategies can help maximise the potential for success. However, caution remains essential, as past performance is no guarantee of future results. With careful planning and close market observation, this seasonal trend can serve as a valuable addition to a trader’s toolkit.Hashtag: #octa
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Octa
Octa is an international broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.
The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.
In the APAC region, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.
Gunma Prefecture, Japan Launches All-You-Can-Bathe Seven Great Onsen Fair to Celebrate Hot Spring Culture Worldwide
Stunning natural baths just a few hours from Tokyo offer a soak in mineral-rich history
Tokyo, Japan – Newsfile Corp. – December 24, 2024 – Channel 47 announced the launch of the Seven Great Onsen Resorts in Gunma Hopping Fair. The limited time event will include the sale of dedicated facility entry/transportation tickets and ticketing for tie-up events in the seven participating onsen hot spring resort areas: Kusatsu, Manza, Ikaho, Shima, Oigami, Isobe and Minakami. The campaign will launch on January 6, 2025 and continue until February 4, 2025. Gunma prefecture is only a couple hours ride from Tokyo, making the experience possible for day trips or extended stays from the capital. The tickets will allow visitors to commute freely between the seven participating regions in Gunma Prefecture using public bus services. The ticket fee also includes entry fees for hot spring facility access. Separate ticket purchases for tie up events on select dates will be offered throughout the campaign period.
Widely known for its convenient access from the capital and historical hot spring bathing, Gunma Prefecture is consistently ranked among the top must-visit destinations domestically. Home to world-class, naturally fed hot spring spa resorts that welcome visitors with classic charm and respite from their busy lives, Gunma is becoming a new Golden Route alternative for wellness lovers.
From January 6, 2025, until February 4, 2025, the “Seven Great Onsen Resorts in Gunma Hopping Fair” package invites visitors to explore the seven major hot spring towns in Gunma prefecture.
Passholders will receive exclusive access to onsen baths, activities, and participation gifts for the duration of the fair and can freely use a dedicated bus line designed to make stress-free transfers between resort towns.
Visitors can try “onsen-hopping” across 100 selected hot springs, including private and historical onsen that are not usually accessible. Each offers breathtaking scenery while enjoying a healing bath.
The Onsen Hopping tickets will be sold as digital passes that include Onsen entry and bus fare.
The Onsen Hopping Pass (Free Pass) offers unlimited access to all participating hot springs, including those located in hotels and ryokan, for the duration of the campaign (approximately one month).
(Image of The Onsen Hopping Pass (Free Pass))
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9948/235074_5a7ced45844a79af_001full.jpg
The Onsen Hopping Pass (Select 10) gives guests one-time entry to ten of the 100 participating onsen and unlimited transportation on the dedicated bus line.
(Image of The Onsen Hopping Pass (Select 10))
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9948/235074_5a7ced45844a79af_002full.jpg
In addition to onsen access, visitors will be encouraged to participate in a round of events and experiences surrounding the fair that highlight the unique appeal of each hot spring town.
Kusatsu Onsen
Traditional bathing and performance experience
Pass holders are encouraged to visit Goza-no-yu, a bath facility overlooking Yubatake, the town’s central spring, while visiting Kusatsu Onsen. On January 11 and 25, an exclusive performance of the traditional Kusatsu-Bushi at Goza-no-yu will enchant bathers. This song and dance are considered a part of Kusatsu Onsen’s cultural heritage.
(Image of Traditional bathing and performance experience)
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9948/235074_5a7ced45844a79af_003full.jpg
Gondola sight-seeing and sushi
The town also boasts a recently completed ski resort with some of the highest-quality powder snow in Japan. In the evening, visitors can take the sky gondola up to the ski facilities to enjoy a traditional edo-mae sushi meal while overlooking Kusatsu Onsen town at Crystal Sora.
(Image of Gondola sight-seeing and sushi)
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9948/235074_5a7ced45844a79af_004full.jpg
Manza Onsen
Onsen installation art and projection mapping
This season’s onsen hopping fair at the Prince Hotel will feature an installation piece and private bathing experience courtesy of celebrated contemporary artist Misa Funai. Shimmering stars, birds in flight, and the drama of the art installation transform the Prince Hotel’s baths into an elegant stage complete with projection mapping and a starry-sky-themed aperitif. The art baths will be limited to one couple per day, providing a once-in-a-lifetime private experience.
Stars and snowshoe tour
Mt. Manza towers high above the snowy landscape, offering unmatched views of Japan’s mountainous expanse. At this height, the stars are breathtakingly clear, and the chatter of the busy world below fades away. With the help of an English-speaking guide, pass holders can enjoy a snowshoed evening stroll that reveals the magic of Manza Onsen while gazing at the stars.
Ikaho Onsen
Treasures of Gunma dining and geisha session
The long-practicing geisha of Ikaho onsen welcome hot-spring-hoppers to Yokotekan, an onsen ryokan hotel with centuries of history and recognition as a National Cultural Property. These geisha invite visitors to join in traditional parlor games that show off the geisha’s talent and years of training. Guests will also be treated to a culinary treasure box featuring local Jusho heirloom vegetables and rare delicacies like Masuda beef.
(Image of Treasures of Gunma dining and geisha session)
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9948/235074_5a7ced45844a79af_005full.jpg
Shima Onsen
Shima Onsen has become a cultural icon thanks to the popularity of Studio Ghibli’s award-winning film, Spirited Away, which takes inspiration from this hot spring town for its enchanting setting.
Yokai spirit festival and evening tea ceremony
Look on from cobbled streets and crisscrossing bridges as performers recreate the legend of the yokai spirit parade in real life. Mischievous yokai spirits have long been an element of Japanese mysticism and superstition. With Sekizenan, the inspiration for Studio Ghibli’s bathhouse, in the backdrop, magical spirits with lanterns stroll the streets of Shima Onsen, leading followers to an enchanting evening tea ceremony made with onsen water.
(Image of Yokai spirit festival and evening tea ceremony)
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9948/235074_5a7ced45844a79af_006full.jpg
Oigami Onsen
Parade a record-setting portable shrine through town
Though the serpent god of Oigami onsen is revered as a spiritual figure, visitors who are moved by the mysticism of yokai are also encouraged to participate in carrying the Guinness-award-winning Great Snake Mikoshi, a portable shrine, through Ojin Onsen. Participants will carry the massive snake figure through town, a tradition upheld through generations of worshippers. Afterward, guests can take part in a classic symbol of the coming spring by painting Hina dolls.
(Image of Parade a record-setting portable shrine through town)
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9948/235074_5a7ced45844a79af_007full.jpg
Isobe Onsen
Rent out a lord’s scenic gardens for a special morning
A private rental of Rakusanen, one of Japan’s nationally recognized scenic spots, offers small groups or couples a unique opportunity to stroll leisurely through quiet morning gardens uninterrupted. An English-speaking guide will offer insights about the garden, established at the start of the Edo era, during a walking tour culminating in a warming, reflective tea ceremony complete with wagashi sweets. Central water features, snow-covered lookouts and a blanket of pure white snow make the private moments spent in the garden even more special.
(Image of Rent out a lord’s scenic gardens for a special morning)
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9948/235074_5a7ced45844a79af_008full.jpg
Minakami Onsen
Discover the ancient mountain husbandry that defined Japan’s way of life
The satoyama is a term used to refer to foothills and accessible mountains that were used for centuries as the primary source of food, building materials, and fresh water for many rural Japanese communities. A sense of respect for nature and caretaking for the benefit of both humans and nature exists at the core of satoyama philosophy. These ancient ways of living are best experienced firsthand while walking along the ancient roads of Minakami in traditional kimono.
(Image of Discover the ancient mountain husbandry that defined Japan’s way of life)
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9948/235074_5a7ced45844a79af_009full.jpg
About Gunma
A landlocked prefecture Northwest of Tokyo, Gunma is known for its seven major onsen towns and ryokan resorts. The prefecture features rushing rivers, mountains with dry powder snow for skiing, and abundant nature. It is accessible in as little as an hour from Tokyo.
Visit https://onsen-gunma.jp/en/ for details and ticketing.
Contact: info@channel47.jp
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The allure of Da Nang and Phu Quoc – top destinations for Indian tourists
Vietnam is increasingly popular among Indian tourists, consistently topping reports and surveys as a favoured destination. While Da Nang remains the most beloved city for Indian travellers to Viet Nam, Phu Quoc has emerged as a ‘rising star’ for this market.
PHU QUOC, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 December 2024 – With significant investments in infrastructure and tourism services, Da Nang and Phu Quoc are becoming two of Vietnam’s most attractive beach destinations for Indian tourists. Their long stretches of white sandy beaches, world-class resorts, diverse cuisine and a variety of entertainment options have made these two cities ideal holiday spots that cater to the needs of Indian travellers.

Da Nang: the top pick for Indian travellers
Da Nang has cemented itself as the top-searched destination for Indian travellers, as reported by Skyscanner India’s travel trend reports. Indian tourists favour destinations with short flight distances, beautiful beaches and relaxing environments – criteria that Da Nang effortlessly fulfils.
In the first nine months of 2024, Da Nang welcomed over 151,000 Indian visitors, accounting for 43% of all Indian arrivals in Vietnam – a 125 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2023.
To accommodate the growing demand, several direct flights from India to Da Nang have been introduced. In October 2024, Ahmedabad-Da Nang was launched with two flights per week, adding to the flow of visitors beyond New Delhi.
Sun World Ba Na Hills of Da Nang, home to the iconic Golden Bridge is one of the main draws for Indian tourists. Major Indian media Luxebook recently called the bridge one of the world’s most iconic bridges. For many Indian families, visiting the Golden Bridge is a dream come true.
“Seeing the Golden Bridge in person has always been a dream for my family,” said Muskan Tiwari from Ahmedabad. Beyond the bridge, Ba Na’s vibrant castles, cool weather and tranquil atmosphere also leave a lasting impression.
The number of Indian visitors to Sun World Ba Na Hills by the end of July 2024 reached 132,000, accounting for nearly 50% of the total number of Indian tourists visiting Viet Nam in the first seven months of the year.
Cuisine is one of the top factors influencing Indian tourists’ decision to choose a destination also. For Indian travellers, where each community has its own dietary preferences and religious practices – some even bringing their own chefs for the trip. Ba Na Hills boasts a Halal-certified buffet restaurant, allowing Indian visitors to enjoy authentic flavours of their homeland.
Da Nang also has the globally recognised My Khe Beach, the spectacle of Dragon Bridge’s weekend water and fire shows and the untouched natural beauty of Son Tra Peninsula.

Phu Quoc: a paradise for luxury weddings and MICE
Recently, Indian couples have been showing a strong preference for hosting weddings in Viet Nam, drawn by its stunning beaches, luxurious resorts and high-end hotels at reasonable costs. While Da Nang has long been a familiar destination for Indian tourists, supported by an increasing number of direct flights, Phu Quoc has emerged as a new paradise. The island attracts both mid-range and affluent travellers from South Asia. In fact, billionaire Indian couples frequently choose Phu Quoc as the perfect venue to host their dream weddings.
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay has successfully outshone a host of global competitors to become the venue of choice for billionaire Rushang Shah’s wedding in 2019 and another grand Indian billionaire wedding in early 2024.
Phu Quoc has been referred as a new MICE destination in Viet Nam. The Sun Paradise Land ecosystem in the south of the island, with exciting attractions such as art shows, nightly fireworks, the world’s longest three-rope cable car, the Kiss Bridge and beachfront resorts at Kem Beach, along with large conference rooms at Sun Signature Gallery and Sun Tropical Ballroom that can accommodate up to 1,000 guests, fully meet the needs of Indian tourists.
Phu Quoc recently unveiled the world-class 18-hole Eschuri Vung Bau Golf Course, offering a breathtaking view of the island’s sunset, adding yet another reason for travellers to visit this tropical haven.
With direct flights from Da Nang to Phu Quoc and the upcoming addition of more direct flights from other cities, the journey to explore Vietnam will become increasingly complete and easier for tourists.
Hashtag: #Sungroup
https://www.jwmarriottemeraldbay.com/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
OctaTrader in 2024: a client-focused evolution of a trading platform

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 December 2024 – For Octa, a global broker with more than 13 years of experience, 2024 was a year focused on researching clients’ needs and using the results to incrementally improve their trading platform, OctaTrader. According to the broker’s statement, OctaTrader showed a fivefold increase in the number of open orders year-on-year, proving its growing popularity among traders. Below are some of the main areas in which OctaTrader currently excels as well as some key avenues for its future growth.

OctaTrader: a year of progress
In 2024, OctaTrader’s progress was reflected in the yearly number of orders placed by its users, which grew five times as of October 2024, year-on-year. What’s more, the Octa team has been working hard to streamline OctaTrader as a holistic ecosystem that empowers traders by expanding the ordinary trading experience.
With a wide variety of features centred around facilitating a more comprehensible and accessible trading process, OctaTrader positions itself as a holistic ecosystem. It aims to make each stage of the journey logical and intuitive. Octa’s platform enables informed decisions, offering step-by-step support in building your portfolio, analysing the markets, and opening and closing orders within the trading area. Merged together within OctaTrader as a single cross-device application, all these elements contribute to making trading an accessible and enjoyable experience instead of a time-consuming, energy-draining routine.
OctaTrader provides a smooth workflow across all devices. That means you can pick up your trading session on mobile from where you left it off on your desktop—and vice versa. This approach is ideally suited to the modern hyper-accelerated pace of life, where every minute counts, allowing traders increased flexibility in scheduling their sessions.
Some of the most recent improvements introduced within the OctaTrader ecosystem include accelerated chart loading, new analytical tools and indices, and improved UX and ergonomics in the trading terminals.
Space: OctaTrader’s analytical hub
Space, a trading insights and news feed embedded into the OctaTrader app, currently offers around 130 daily posts to support well-informed decision-making and decrease the cognitive load that traders face in their daily sessions. In 2024, OctaTrader introduced user reactions and comments to Space posts. The platform’s clients can now express their sentiment towards analytical posts in their Space feed and prioritise the posts with the most favourable reactions. The Space feed within the OctaTrader app is curated by Octa’s in-house experts and customised based on user preferences, with trendy topics getting the most exposure.
With Space, OctaTrader embraces the latest AI and ML technologies. Octa experts tap into the power of pattern recognition engines, applying their extensive hands-on experience to pick the most valuable information and offer clients the most precise. and timely market insights. Space also features rich onboarding content, including two dedicated courses aimed at familiarising clients with the entire range of its features and helping them trade with OctaTrader in the most efficient way. By studying these educational materials and following the tips in the app, OctaTrader clients can become fluent in Space-assisted trading and make the best of its analytical expertise.

Flexibility and customisation
Within OctaTrader, users can manage all their trading accounts, effectively making the solution an all-in-one trading hub. Users can switch between their demo and real accounts in a couple of clicks, apply different leverage options, test strategies, and make deposits—all within a single trading ecosystem. With OctaTrader, education, analytics, transactions, and actual trading are one step away from each other, which constitutes a genuinely holistic trading experience.
Boasting a well-rounded trading area, OctaTrader is well-suited for those who value interface flexibility. For example, each of the many indicators available within the app can be hidden so that clients can easily focus and prioritise their tasks. With its highly customisable interface, OctaTrader caters to the needs of both seasoned and emerging traders, creating an enabling environment for any client, regardless of their trading style and asset preferences.
As a global broker, Octa aims to make trading more accessible by lowering the skill cap and facilitating decision-making. With OctaTrader, the broker takes over the routine side of trading, making the process engaging and accessible. Octa’s dynamically evolving ecosystem also offers a wide variety of embedded tools to enable data-driven and precise decisions, reduce cognitive load, and lower stress. In 2025, OctaTrader will continue with its focus on creating a personalised and streamlined trading experience, taking into account each client’s skills, needs, and preferences.
Hashtag: #octa
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Octa
Octa is an international broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.
The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.
In the APAC region, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.
Laos to Enforce LAK 2 Million Fine for Traffic Violations
Starting 23 December, the Lao government will impose fines of up to LAK 2 million (USD 91.42) for vehicles parked for more than three to five minutes near tourist sites in Vientiane Capital.
1win Brings Christmas Comfort to Cancer Patients in Ghana

ACCRA, GHANA – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 December 2024 – 1win, in partnership with Adjah Cancer Support Ghana, sends Christmas donations to over 200 cancer patients and their families in Accra, Ghana. Through the initiative, the global iGaming brand 1win has donated food hampers and comforting Christmas gifts to support families battling cancer.

Christmas gift-giving by 1win was designed to make a meaningful impact during the holidays by addressing both emotional and practical needs. 200 hundred families of cancer patients from Accra received food hampers with rice, oil, canned goods, and beverages, along with Christmas gifts tailored for children and adults facing the hardships of cancer treatment. Food and clothing items from 1win should serve as a gesture of attention, raise Christmas spirits, and provide much-needed relief to the patient’s families.
Christopher Adjah, CEO of Adjah Cancer Support Ghana, emphasized the importance of corporate philanthropy, saying, “The holiday season can be especially challenging for families coping with cancer. Thanks to the monetary donation from 1win, we are able to bring smiles to our beneficiaries’ faces and remind them they are not alone. These gifts go beyond material support—they represent hope and resilience for those in need.”
The 1win’s gift-giving event took place at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana. The program was attended by actress and media personality Joselyn Dumas who joined as a representative of 1win. Speaking about the initiative, she said, “It’s a privilege to be part of such a meaningful project. Today, we delivered almost 150 hampers to patients and their families, and additional 50 gifts will be distributed by Adjah Cancer Support Ghana throughout the festive season. Christmas is a time for generosity and kindness, and I’m proud to see global brands like 1win stepping up to make a real difference.”
1win’s donation reflects the brand’s commitment to addressing the needs of vulnerable communities. By partnering with Adjah Cancer Support Ghana, the company ensures its efforts reach those who need it the most.
With this initiative, 1win is spreading hope during one of the most challenging periods for cancer patients and their families, underscoring the brand’s motto for charitable projects: We Care. We Share.
Hashtag: #1win #1winForHealth #Charity #Christmas #CSR
https://www.1win.charity/
https://www.instagram.com/1win.global/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About 1win
1win is a leading global brand that offers an unparalleled range of iGaming services. With a solid seven-year track record, the brand caters to a diverse clientele across the globe, illustrating its strong influence in the iGaming sector. Effective August 2024, 1win has cricketer David Warner as its sports ambassador.
About Adjah Cancer Support Center
The Adjah Cancer Support Ghana is Ghana’s largest cancer support organization. It focuses on improving the quality of cancer support in Ghana and ensuring that no one faces cancer alone. The foundation creates awareness, educates, and navigates patients through the difficult facets of cancer.