World Cancer Day 2020: ”I Am and I Will” #WorldCancerDay
World Cancer Day every 4 February is the global uniting initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). By raising worldwide awareness, improving education and catalysing personal, collective and government action, we’re working together to reimagine a world where millions of preventable cancer deaths are saved and access to life-saving cancer treatment and care is equal for all – no matter who you are or where you live. Because, we believe that cancer isn’t just a health issue but a human issue that touches all of us. Created in 2000, World Cancer Day has grown into a positive movement for everyone, everywhere to unite under one voice to face one of the greatest challenges in our history.
World Cancer Day: ‘I Am and I Will’ campaign.
World Cancer Day is an initiative of the Union for International Cancer Control, the largest and oldest international cancer organisation committed to taking the lead in uniting the cancer community to reduce the global cancer burden, promote greater equity, and integrate cancer control into the world health and development agenda.
The theme: 2019 – 2021
2020 marks the midway point of the 3-year ‘I Am and I Will’ campaign. ‘I Am and I Will’ is an empowering call-to-action urging for personal commitment and represents the power of individual action taken now to impact the future.
Why cancer?
Cancer is a critical health and human issue. Today, 9.6 million people each year will die from cancer. Making it the second-most deadly disease. Yet, at least one third of cancers can be prevented. This gives us all every reason to act.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Together, we will change that.
Did you know?
- 9.6 million people die from cancer every year – this number is predicted to almost double by 2030.
- 70% of cancer deaths occur in low-to-middle income countries.
- Less than 30% of low-income countries have cancer treatment services available (compared to 90% in high-income countries)
- The total annual economic cost of cancer is estimated at approximately US$1.16 trillion.
- At least one third of common cancers are preventable.
- Up to 3.7 million lives could be saved each year through resource appropriate strategies for prevention, early detection and timely and quality treatment.
Cancer Signs and Symptoms
Cancer Sign and Symptoms
The most urgent issues in cancer
Awareness, understanding, myths and misinformation
- Increased awareness and accurate information and knowledge can empower all of us to recognise early warning signs, make informed choices about our health and counter our own fears and misconceptions about cancer.
Government action and accountability
- Proactive and effective actions on national health planning are possible and feasible in every country, and when governments step up efforts to reduce and prevent cancer, they place their nations in a stronger position to advance socially and economically.
Prevention and risk reduction
- At least one third of cancers are preventable giving us every reason to champion healthy choices and prevention strategies for all, so that we have the best chance to prevent and reduce our cancer risks.
Equity in access to cancer services
- Life-saving cancer diagnosis and treatment should be equal for all – no matter who you are, your level of education, level of income or where you live in the world. By closing the equity gap, we can save millions of lives.
Financial and economic burden
- There is a compelling financial argument for committing resources to cancer control. Financial investment can be cost-effective and can potentially save the global economy billions of dollars in cancer treatment costs and offer positive gains in increased survival, productivity and improved quality of life.
Reducing the skills gap
- Skilled and knowledgeable healthcare workers are one of the most powerful ways we can deliver quality cancer care. Addressing the current skills gap and shortage of healthcare professionals is the clearest way to achieve progress in reducing the number of premature deaths from cancer.
Beyond physical: mental and emotional Impact
- Quality cancer care includes dignity, respect, support and love and considers not just the physical impact of cancer but respects the emotional, sexual and social wellbeing of each individual and their carer.
Working together as one
- Strategic collaborations that involve civil society, companies, cities, international organisations and agencies, research and academic institutions are the strongest ways to help expand awareness and support, convert political will into action and deliver comprehensive and cohesive solutions. Joining efforts leads to powerful action at every level.
#IAmAndIWill #WorldCancerDay
Recommended Readings
October Month: Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Accelerate efforts to eliminate cervical cancer: WHO
Create a future without cancer. The time to act is now. #IAmAndIWill
Nine ways to reduce Cancer risk
Cancer Country Profile: NEPAL – World Health Organization
Govt launches cancer registry across nation
[Research Article] Should low-income countries invest in breast cancer screening?
World Cancer Day: ‘I Am and I Will’ campaign.
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