New Delhi (NVI): World Cancer Day is observed on February 4 every year around the world, to spread awareness and reduce stigma about the disease which remains the second leading cause of death globally.
The UN-recognised day is led by Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), to encourage the prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer as early as possible.
The observance of World Cancer Day is centred around reducing the global impact that cancer has and in providing support for cancer patients and survivors. There are over 100 different types of cancer including breast cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, prostate cancer, etc.
This year, the theme for World Cancer Day 2021 is ‘I Am and I Will.’ It is a multi-year campaign that began in 2019 and this year will mark the last year. The theme represents an empowering call-to-action urging personal commitment and also stand for the power of action taken now to have a positive impact on the future.
World Cancer Day was originated at the first World Summit Against Cancer in 2000. It was held in Paris for the New Millennium and was founded by the Union for International Cancer Control.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 out of 6 people lose their lives due to cancer every year globally, while 1 out of 10 Indians develop cancer and almost 16 million cases of the disease are registered annually.
The most important risk factor for cancer is tobacco, which is responsible for approximately 22 per cent of cancer deaths, as per the WHO report.
On this day, hundreds of activities are organised across the world, to generate awareness on how to look for signs of cancer, while the disease becomes a talking point on social media.
However, the primary aim of the day is to reduce illness and death caused by the disease and end the injustice of preventable suffering caused by it.
-RJV
