World Cancer Day

Get involved and show your support this
World Cancer Day
4 February 2013

On 4 February 2013 it will be World Cancer Day. The day was first organised by the International Union Against Cancer in 2005.

If you, like me, know someone who has either survived or died from this terrible disease, then this is the perfect chance to raise awareness of the ways we can prevent cancer through the choices we make.

Each year over 12.7 million people receive a cancer diagnosis and 7.6 million people die from the disease. Did you know that 30-40% of cancers can be cured through early diagnosis and treatment?

This is the reason why it is so important that we do what we can to prevent cancer and ensure that we all live a healthier life. I think by now most of us are aware of the risks of tobacco and excessive alcohol use. And we are all aware of the importance of a healthy diet and maintainance of a healthy weight! Obesity has its own helath consequences, for example, diabetes, heart disease and musculoskeletal disorders. However, some studies have reported a link between obesity and cancers of the gallbladder, ovaries and pancreas. So get more active and help reduce your risk of cancer.

Each year World Cancer Day focuses on a different issue that we can try and change in ourselves. In the past these have included giving children a smoke-free environment and encouraging healthy diets and exercise.

In previous years the emphasis has been on teaching youngsters to avoid UV exposure and be "sun-smart". Skin cancer is often caused by the excessive exposure to the sun, and while it is one of the most diagnosed forms of cancer, it is thought that there are 100 000 cases each year in the UK alone.

In 2013 the theme will be "Dispel damaging Myths and misconceptions about cancer", in particular the myth that cancer is a disease affecting rich countries - cancer affects everyone, no matter where they may be in the world!

To get involved with the World Cancer Campaign you can find out all you need to know at the World Cancer Day website.

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