World Cancer Day, which takes place every year on February 4, is a truly global event, as cancer can affect anyone anywhere.
The day aims to unite the world’s population in the fight against cancer, in hopes of saving millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and education about the disease and pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action.
The theme of the day (2016 to 2018) is “We can. I can.”
Under this tagline the day will explore how everyone – as a collective or as individuals – can do their part to reduce the global burden of cancer.
Just as cancer affects everyone in different ways, all people have the power to take various actions to reduce the impact that cancer has on individuals, families and communities.
World Cancer Day is a chance to reflect on what you can do.
Make a pledge and take action, whatever you choose to do “We can. I can.” make a difference in the fight against cancer.
Local organisation Cansa, who pledges its support in the fight against this dreaded disease on a daily basis, will use the day to raise funds through a variety of fund-raisers which will be held across the country.
What was once thought to be an “old person’s disease” has become a reality for many young people and families.
My family is no different; we have felt the pain and feelings of hopelessness brought on by a cancer diagnosis, and with World Cancer Day being celebrated, I am once again reminded of how easily we take for granted a clean bill of health.
Because of this I strongly believe in the need to educate people about the disease that has so many different forms, and feel this is vital.
It is important to take part in campaigns such as World Cancer Day, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Choc Tattoo-a-thon and the Cansa Shavathon.
All of these serve as key stepping stones to getting the word out on a variety of different platforms to all walks of life regarding the realities of cancer.
What do you feel is the best way to educate people about the risks of cancer?
