World Cancer Day

Sooner or later, it seems that cancer affects all of us. That's why World Cancer Day on 4 February every year is an important day to raise awareness about prevention, detection and treatment. Started by the Union for International Cancer Control in 2008, World Cancer Day activities aim to significantly reduce cancer morbidity and mortality by 2020.

History of World Cancer Day

According to WHO, one of the leading causes of death is cancer. The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) was founded in 1993. Based in Geneva, it is a membership-based society that works to eradicate cancer worldwide and promote research. Under its direction, the first International Day of Cancer was celebrated in Geneva, Switzerland in the same year. Several well-known organizations, cancer associations and treatment centers also support this initiative.

World Cancer Day was officially recognized at the first World Summit against Cancer in 2000. The event took place in Paris and was attended by members of cancer organizations and scientists. Famous government leaders around the world. A document titled 'Paris Charter to Fight Cancer', consisting of 10 articles, was signed, outlining a global commitment to improving the comfort and quality of life of cancer patients. Progress and increased investment in cancer research, prevention and treatment are also highlighted. Article X of this charter officially declares that World Cancer Day will be applied on 4 February.

Cancer comes in many varieties, so different colors and symbols are used to mark a specific type of cancer and promote the fight against it. For example, the orange ribbon is for raising awareness about childhood cancer, while the pink ribbon is related to breast cancer awareness globally. As a symbol of hope for patients and survivors, daffodils are used by the American Cancer Society for a future where this life-threatening disease is no more.

On this day, hundreds of events and fundraising take place around the world each year, to bring individuals, communities and organizations together in hospitals, schools, businesses, markets, and conventions, community schools, parks… to advocate and provide a powerful reminder that people with cancer are not alone, and that we all have a responsibility to reduce the global impact of this disease.

About World Cancer Day

The aims of World Cancer Day is to prevent by raising awareness and education about cancer, and urging governments and individuals around the world to take action against disease again.

UICC continues to expand the success and influence of this day and is committed to ensuring that the event is seen and heard by many people around the world every year. We do this by working directly with our members to develop a campaign that serves their various organizational priorities; this is achieved through a two-pronged strategic approach:

• UICC provides support through the development of tools and guidelines to encourage member organizations to carry out local cancer awareness campaigns that are relevant and aligned with the Cancer Day message. Global world.
• At the national level, we work to secure and support digital, traditional and social media opportunities to raise public awareness. Through the continued support of our members and key partners, World Cancer Day is beginning to solidify itself in the worldwide calendar.

Three Things to Help Prevent Cancer

1. Adults

• Quit smoking

Smoking can cause cancer throughout the body - not just lung cancer.

• Maintain a healthy weight by doing exercise regularly.

Overweight and obesity cause at least 13 types of cancer.

• Do the cancer screening tests that are right for you.

2. Parents

• Get vaccinate against HPV for children at 11 or 12 years old.

HPV vaccine can prevent from cancers.

• Helps protect children's skin from the sun.

UV rays from the sun is the cause of skin cancer.

• Make sure your child is eating well and being active.

Keeping a healthy weight reduces the risk of cancer and other health problems.

3. Community

• Share information about cancer

Many people do not know how to reduce their cancer risk.

• Help low-income people get screened for cancer.
• Support policies, systems and environmental changes to prevent cancer.

See how comprehensive cancer control programs are performing in communities.

How to celebrate World Cancer Day

There are some ways to observe World Cancer Day.

• Join #WeCanIcan, Support through Sport and Thunderclap campaigns on social media. For a more adventurous look, you can also check out #nohairselfie on Facebook or Twitter.
• Take a moment to think about the impact cancer is having on you - and commit to taking positive action, whether it's donating time or money, scheduling a doctor's appointment or giving your doctor a visit. Make healthier choices at mealtime today.
• Take a moment to connect with your loved ones who have been touched by the letter "C".