Every 4th February World Cancer Day takes place. World Cancer day was created by Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to help in the effort to save millions of lives and significantly reduce the amount of people affected by this deadly disease. The main aim is to improve cooperation in the battle against cancer and to find ways to fight it by bringing communities together, encouraging people to take personal action and to engage decision makers and governments to do something about cancer. Through raising awareness of the causes and impacts of the disease World Cancer day is trying to improve knowledge of cancer in an inspiring way to embolden people all over the world to take greater action.
Main aims:
• Improving awareness and understanding about cancer to increase the likeliness of people recognising warning signs. 1/3 of all cancers are preventable so making good choices about health options to prevent the chance of getting cancer is also a principal aim set up by the UICC.
• Engaging with governments to increase spending in cancer research and encourage equal cancer treatment for all. By stepping up spending into research and education it will also allow for the nation to advance socially and economically. As financial investment can both save lives and save billions of dollars in cancer treatment etc.
• Improving the knowledge and skills of healthcare workers all around the world will decrease cases and deaths from cancer especially in low income countries.
• Cooperation between governments, businesses and international organisations is very important in raising awareness worldwide of the cancer and to deliver effective solutions to prevent further increase in cancer victims in the future.
Global Cancer Facts:
• Cancer is the second-leading cause of death worldwide.
• Approximately 70% of all cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. These
countries are least well-placed to deliver the services needed by cancer patients, or to manage the social and economic consequences of this burden.
• At least one third of common cancers are preventable. For example, 27% of cancers relate to tobacco and alcohol use.
• Up to 3.7 million lives could be saved each year by implementing strategies for prevention, early detection, and treatment.
• The total economic cost of cancer is USD 1.16 trillion: loss of productivity and household income, reduction of quality of life, disability, and ultimately premature death. However, If we invested USD 11.4 billion in prevention strategies, we would save an overwhelming USD 100 billion in cancer treatment costs.
World Cancer day is a fantastic initiative that has had and will have a significant impact on millions of lives. Raising awareness, and encouraging further research is vital to eradicate cancer and with a little help from everyone we could see drastic changes in the near future. Click here for more information on World Cancer day 2020 and how you can support it.
Other information sources:
McMillan
Cancer Research
NHS
