Each year 12.7 million people receive a cancer diagnosis and 7.6 million people die from the disease. If current trends continue unchecked, those numbers will more than double by 2030.
Currently 1 out of 6 people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. It is also the leading cause of death worldwide, but it doesn’t have to be. The fact is 30 to 40% of cancers can be prevented. And more lives could be saved through current screening and treatment procedures if only they were universally available and used.
On February 4, World Cancer Day, hopes to raise awareness of the devastating realities of cancer worldwide and encourage each one of us to do our part to help prevent, detect, and cure the disease.
Together We Make a Difference
We can all take steps to prevent cancer and live healthier, longer lives—and encourage our family and friends to do the same. You can significantly reduce your risk of cancer through simple measures:
- Stopping tobacco use and avoiding exposure to second- and third-hand smoke.
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Avoiding excessive sun exposure
- Getting regular physical activity
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Protecting against cancer-causing infections
It is also important to get regular check-ups and screenings to ensure that cancer is detected early.
World Cancer Campaign
World Cancer Day is one day in a global campaign to fight cancer around the globe. The World Cancer Campaign unites governments, researchers, doctors and many other organizations around common goals and targets including:
In the spirit of World Cancer Day, consider signing the World Cancer Declaration to help raise awareness and promote action to end the global cancer epidemic.
Sources:
World Cancer Day
Union for International Cancer Control
World Cancer Day