World Cancer Day is an initiative in which the entire planet could join hands in the battle against deadly cancers around the world. This event takes place every year on February 4th. World Cancer Day aims to get people around the world to talk about cancer, thereby, calling attention to the disease that has become a world pandemic. This day aims to press the governments, as well as people around the globe to take action against the disease, which can include learning more, or raising awareness, about prevention, diagnosis, and/or treatment.

Where did it start?

The idea of World Cancer Day was first planned in Geneva, Switzerland during the year 1993. This was carried out under the direction of “Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).”

Ultimately, this initiative got the support from various other cancer societies, treatment and research centers, as well as patient groups, and was launched as a singular event that could meet all the requirements to fight and control the deadly cancers. From there, the event has traveled a long way to be celebrated worldwide every year, and it will continue being celebrated.

What’s the need for this initiative?

If there is anyone who wonders how necessary it is for this international day, here’s your answer: According to various reports, over 12.7 million are identified with cancer every year. And, over seven million are found to be dying due to cancer each year. To put it simply, the global cancer epidemic is already huge and is expected to increase year after year. According to health experts and cancer researchers, several of the deaths due to cancer are preventable with governmental support, as well as funding. Also, they say that unless urgent action is taken to create awareness among the people and develop effective strategies to control the disease, the deaths due to cancer will continue to increase.

The number of new cancer cases and associated deaths are estimated to increase two-fold over the next two to four decades. However, almost one third of all cancer cases could be prevented. So, World Cancer Day is essential, which is the ideal opportunity to educate people about this important world issue.

How is it celebrated?

As mentioned earlier, the primary aim of celebrating the World Cancer Day is to spread awareness about cancers and their prevention. In order to achieve this, the leading health organizations and other non-governmental organizations would take part during this day every year to spread the special message. In this line, they would conduct any or all of the following programs:

• Camps
• Awareness programs
• Rallies
• Lectures
• Seminars

During these programs, participants will be educated on the control measures and they will be encouraged to join the masses to fight against cancer. The primary target of the event would typically be the general public. To help the health organizations and the other non-governmental organizations in this regard, various templates, leaflets, brochures, and directions will be supplied by the UICC for better assistance. Every year, this event will be celebrated by using a particular theme, so as to make the initiative more result-oriented among the general public.

During the World Cancer Day celebration, the general public will be targeted to educate them about the risk factors of cancers. The most common risk factors for cancer include:

• Tobacco use
• Obesity
• Low fruit and vegetable intake
• Lesser physical activity
• Alcohol use
• Sexual transmission of HPV
• Air pollution
• Indoor smoke
• Genetic factors
• Over-exposure to sunlight

Also, people will be educated on the importance of getting vaccinated against the HPV and Hepatitis viruses, as it has been found that these could directly cause cancer in patients.

How can individuals take part in the World Cancer Day?

Even though it already passed, there are still plenty of ways to get involved. One way is to bring about change within yourself. Those who want to participate can make some healthy lifestyle changes by avoiding tobacco and getting a lot of physical activity in. They can also choose a healthy diet, limit alcohol consumption, and stay safe under the sun. Also, you are advised to make yourself aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease, as well as the early detection guidelines. These are deemed as important because detecting cancer early would often make it easier to treat.

Apart from their own welfare, people should also support the patients with cancer and the survivors of the disease, who are experiencing the physical and emotional effects of cancer. Also, people must be ready to educate one another about the disease by sharing their own cancer stories and/or experiences, thereby, raising awareness among the crowd. Finally, it’s a good idea to join support groups to help bring constructive changes for everyone who is diagnosed with cancers.

Taking part in World Cancer Day is important for each and every person today. It’s time to put an end to this disease, so get out there and raise as much awareness as you can!