World Cancer Day : Definition, History & Facts and Figures
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World Cancer Day is observed on February 4 every year to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention. UICC (Union for International Cancer Control) supports all the activities related to World Cancer Declaration written in 2000.
World Cancer Day: Category and Kinds of Cancer
Cancer in some of the countries has become the second leading cause of death and approximately 57% of new cancer cases and 47% of deaths occurred in the age group of 69 and under.
The most persistent diagnosed types of cancer in men are Prostate, Lung, bladder and melanoma of the skin. In women, the types of cancer having the highest occurrence are breast, lung, colorectal, thyroid and cervical.
Let’s take a look at the History of World Cancer Day
World Cancer Day was initiated on February 4, 2000, at the World Cancer Summit Against Cancer for the New Millenium held in Paris. Charter was created to promote research, prevent cancer and improve patient services.
UICC was set up to increase awareness globally against cancer joined hands with World Health Organisation WHO to form a partnership. They have been conducting educational activities with the help of various health and cancer institutions.
World Cancer Day: Facts and Figures
The number of Cancer cases globally has seen a steady rise from 8.1 million cases in 1990 to 10 million in 2000. Till 2012 cases in spite of an increase in medical facilities have reached 14.1 million. The number of Deaths has also jumped from 5.2 million to a staggering figure of 9.6 million. WHO has predicted deaths to at 16.3 million deaths by 2040.
WHO says up to 40 percent of deaths are preventable if we raise the awareness of cancer prevention.
World Cancer Day: Important Campaigns to raise Awareness for the Prevention of Cancer
World Cancer Day is observed every year by the International Cancer Community, Governments, and Individuals all over the World. Every year more than 900 activities take place in over 100 various countries. Important landmarks are lighted up in orange and blue colour.
- #nohairselfie is a global movement in which participants shave their heads physically or virtually to show a symbol of courage for those undergoing cancer treatment.
- The “I am and I will” campaign has been organized which seeks to counter the negative attitude and fatalistic belief that nothing can be done about cancer, and instead promotes how our personal actions can be powerful and impactful.
- Not beyond us and the campaign running under the tagline “We can. I can” have generated positive results to garner support for World Cancer Day.
World Cancer Day: Prevention and Control Strategies
Cancer can be avoided by carrying out strategies for cancer prevention, screening and early detection, treatment and palliative care. Following things should be undertaken to prevent cancer such as
- Tobacco Control
- Increasing Fruit and Vegetable Intake
- Less consumption of Alcohol
- More physical activities.
Further National level strategies should be made to control Cancer at the grass-roots level. More emphasis should be laid on Screening Programs, Improving the quality of care and increasing up cancer control to have universal health coverage.