World Cancer Day 2021
Every year World Cancer Day is celebrated on February 4 to target misinformation, create awareness and reduce stigma about cancer. It also aims at reducing illness and cancer deaths by prevention, early detection, and treatment. Also, it targets the misinformation.
The least you can do on this
World Cancer Day is to spread awareness about Cancer. You can also support the cause by sharing the link to this article on social media with the hashtag - #WorldCancerDay and #IAmAndIWill. You could also share it on WhatsApp and Facebook Groups so more and more people get involved in sharing awareness.
Awareness helps in the early detection of many cancers. Early detection can increase the chances of survival and it's more likely to be treated successfully.
The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) based in Geneva organizes World Cancer Day globally. Many organizations are working across the world to spread awareness for Cancer like the American Cancer Society, CURE Foundation, Prevent Cancer Foundation, and Indian Cancer Society to name a few.
World Cancer Day 2021 Theme
This year 2021 would be the last year of the 3-Year Theme - I Am and I Will. It was launched back in the year 2019. Since then the world has changed a lot. We never thought that we would be facing extraordinary challenges of the Coronavirus pandemic across the world. It is important to unite the world together to fight cancer and spread the message that I Am and I Will wish to give out.
History of World Cancer Day
The World Cancer Day started in the year 2000 in Paris during the World Cancer Summit. The Charter of Paris Against Cancer which was signed by the then General Director of UNESCO - Kōichirō Matsuura and then French President - Jacques Chirac included an article establishing the anniversary of the document's official signing on 4th February 2000 as World Cancer Day.
What is Cancer?
Cancer refers to several diseases that result in abnormal growth of the body cells that get divided uncontrollably and can destroy normal body tissue. Cancer can easily spread from where it originated to other parts of the body by Metastasis. There are over 100 forms of cancers that are identified. The most common being Breast Cancer followed by Prostate Cancer. The cancers with the lowest survival rates are Mesothelioma followed by Pancreas, Brain, Liver, and Lung Cancer.
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According to the American Cancer Society, every year 17.0 million new cancer cases and 9.5 million deaths worldwide occur as a result of Cancer. Of which, around 20-25% of cases are attributed to Bacterial and Viral infections like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C & HPV - Human Papilloma Virus that either directly causes cancer or increases the chances of Cancer. Worldwide Cancer is the second leading cause of death.
What can you do for World Cancer Day?
This is why you need to join the fight against cancer because little steps can and will matter in the global battle against this disease. "I am and I will" is the theme for World Cancer Day 2021, which highlights the role that every person can play in the fight against cancer. You too can broaden your position and take the easy-yet-effective steps that follow.
1. Gain more information about Cancers.
World Cancer Day is about spreading awareness about cancer. The first step towards spreading awareness is to be informed yourself. Try to find out about the different types of cancer, know more about its impact, and how to avoid it by making simple lifestyle changes such as quitting tobacco and smoking. Organizations such Union for International Cancer Control, WHO, and the Government of India have a lot of easily accessible resources to know about cancer.
2. Voice out and spread awareness
The next step is to realize that you have a voice and that it matters. Initiate discussions in your family, friend circle, and every other network of culture you are part of about cancer. To better understand what the healthcare system needs, listen to cancer patients and survivors within these networks, and then use your voice to spread awareness and encourage improvement in cancer attitudes.
3. Make Posts about Cancer on Social Media
You have forums from which to share awareness, exchange ideas, and communicate with other people and organizations from around the world who are also involved in the fight against cancer. Share stories from your own neighborhood, voice your concerns, mobilize support by developing social media events and groups.
4. Provide Support
You might think that donating is where the buck ends for a cause, but you can do more. You can connect with healthcare professionals, politicians in your city or state, and even government leaders. These are the individuals who, apart from having more active means of spreading awareness at the grassroots level, can spark effective changes on the ground.
5. Translate materials in local languages
Many cancer studies and data, especially those published by international organizations, do not reach people because they are in English. If you are bilingual, which most people in India are, you can help by translating these materials from English to local languages to spread more knowledge. By doing so, you might make a great contribution to the cause.
Many initiatives are happening across the globe and, it's your chance to get involved, whoever you are, wherever you are, you can play your part to make a difference!
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