World Cancer Day is a global awareness day celebrated every 4th of February to raise awareness about cancer also to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment. World Cancer Day is celebrated on the International level organized by the Union for the International Cancer Control (UICC) to support the goals of the World Cancer Declaration which was written in 2008. World Cancer Day is a single initiative in which the entire world can unite together to fight against the global cancer disease.
What is Cancer?
Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases which occurs when there is a change in the group of normal cells within the body which leads to the uncontrolled, abnormal growth of a lump known as a tumour. If the tumor is not treated timely then it can grow and spreads in the surrounding tissues and to other parts of the body via the bloodstream or lymphatic system and due to the infective digestive, nervous and circulatory system it may affect the body function.
World Cancer Day 2023 theme
Every year World Cancer Day is celebrated with a theme that aims to save millions of lives. For 2022 campaign the theme of World Cancer Day 2023 is ‘Close the Care Gap
” which seeks to counter negativity and the attitude about the fatalistic belief that nothing can be changed about cancer. In 2016, a three a campaign is started Under the theme tagline “We can, I can”.
This theme campaign has a strong message which can help to empower the people by engaging them in a commitment and also to raise awareness about concerning cancer prevention.
Cancer sign and symptons
Purpose of World Cancer Day-
The aim of World Cancer Day is to reduce the death and illness caused due to cancer. It is also an opportunity to rally the international community to about the injustice of preventable who are suffering from cancer. This day also aims to targets the wrong information about cancer, raise awareness and reduce stigma.
History of World Cancer Day
On 4th February 2000, World Cancer Day was established at the World Cancer Summit Against Cancer held in Paris. To promote research, prevent cancer, and improve patient services the Charter of Paris Against Cancer was created which also includes an article establishing the anniversary of the World Cancer Day official signing document. On 4th February 2000, the document was signed at the Summit by the General Director of UNESCO “Koichiro Matsuura” and then the French President “Jaccques Chirac”.
Key issues of Cancer
—>To increase awareness and understanding about cancer also to target the myths and misinformation about cancer like it is not a curable disease.
—>Prevention of Cancer and also to reduce the risk of death causes.
—>Equity and access to Cancer services that means life-saving diagnoses and the treatment of cancer should be equal to everyone.
—>The government can help to influence many levers to reduce and prevent cancer,
—>The impact of cancer goes far beyond physical health and also impacts the mental and emotional wellbeing of the patient.
—>By focusing on saving life we can also save money.
—>Help to reduce the skill gap.
Facts about World Cancer Day
**Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally.
**According to the 2018 statistics 9.6 million people have died in cancer and globally 1in 6 death is due to cancer.
**The new cases of cancer are diagnosed every year between the age group of 0-19 years.
**Around 30 to 50% of cancer diseases can be prevented.
**The total estimated annual economic cost of cancer in 2010 is $1.16 trillion.
**The most common types of cancer in men are lung, prostate, stomach, colorectal, and liver cancer while among the women breast lung, cervical, colorectal, and thyroid cancer are the most common.
How to celebrate World Cancer Day
There are different initiatives taken on World Cancer Day to show support and love for those who are affected by cancer. One of the movements is #NoHairSelfie a global movement in which people shave their heads either physically or virtually to show a symbol of courage for the people who are going under the treatment of cancer.
Swikriti Dandotia
