World Cancer Day is annually observed across the globe on 4th February to create awareness and educate the general public about the stigma around cancer and to reduce the preventable deaths.
The World Cancer Day is a global uniting initiative led by the Union of International Cancer Control (UICC).
The theme of the World Cancer Day for 2019 to 2021 is “I Am and I Will”.
The theme of World Cancer Day 2021 is “I Am and I Will: “Together, all our actions matter”.
Aim:
To reduce the global impact of Cancer and to provide support to the cancer patients and survivors through personal, collective and government actions.
Background:
i.The World Cancer Day was established during the World Cancer Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium held in Paris, France on 4th February 2000.
ii.The day also marks the signing of the Charter of Paris Against Cancer by Kōichirō Matsuura, General Director of UNESCO and Jacques Chirac, the French President.
“I Am and I Will” campaign:
i.The “I Am and I Will” is a multi year campaign introduced in 2019 and carried on till 2021.
ii.The campaign focused on the community and the actions towards reducing the global impact of cancer.
iii.The theme of the World Cancer Day for 2019 was I am and I Will: Commitment to Act, 2020 was I am and I Will: Progress is Possible.
Initiatives of UICC:
The UICC is launching 2 new initiatives as a part of the 2021 World Cancer Day:
- 21 Days to Impact Challenge
- virtual cycling platform for the World Cancer Day Solidarity Challenge.
Note:
UICC has partnered with ORSEN SA and ZWIFT, a provider of a virtual cycling platform.
Cancer:
i.Cancer is a group of diseases which can affect any part or organ of the body.
ii.It is an abnormal and uncontrolled growth of a cell which spreads across an organ.
iii.The cancer impacts the physical, emotional and financial conditions of an individual, families, communities and health systems.
Prevention:
i.Around 30% to 50% of deaths due to cancer can be prevented by avoiding the risk factors like
- Avoiding the usage of tobacco.
- Healthy diet
- Regular and active physical activities
- Controlled use of alcohol
- Vaccinating for Hepatitis B and Human papillomavirus(HPV).
- Reduce the exposure to Ultraviolet(UV) radiation and ionizing radiation.
ii.Implementing the existing evidence based prevention strategies can also help in preventing cancer.
About Union of International Cancer Control (UICC):
CEO- Cary Adams
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland
