World Cancer Day is celebrated internationally on 4th February to spread awareness of deadly cancer diseases. To prevent cancer, timely detection and proper treatment are important. The prime goal of this initiative is to reduce cancer illness and death caused by cancer significantly. World Cancer Day is important to clear misinformation, myths and raise understanding about the disease. We are all aware that most deaths caused by cancer happen because of a lack of awareness about the disease. The Union of International Cancer Control (UICC) led the movement worldwide to support the World Cancer Declaration.
Therefore, early detection of cancer is crucial for saving the lives of affected people. You would be surprised to know that cancer is the biggest cause of death globally. There is a common part of the human body such as the face, lung, heart, throat, cervix and bowel, which are most affected by cancer diseases. The world is united to make people educated about this deadly disease. Together we can and together we will.
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World Cancer Day 2022: History
On 4th February 2000, World Cancer Day was announced at the World Cancer Summit against cancer for the New Millenium, which was organized in Paris. The resolution of the summit was to prevent cancer, promote research, and improve patient services. The official document of World Cancer Day was signed on 4th February 2000 at the Summit by the then French President Jacques Chirac and the then General Director of UNESCO.
When is World Cancer Day 2022?
World Cancer Day is observed on 4th February every year. The objective to celebrate this day as World Cancer Day is to educate people about Cancer and its treatment. One must identify the symptoms of this disease for early treatment. You can also contribute to this campaign by informing people about this day.
World Cancer Day 2022 Theme
Each year, a theme is announced on the occasion of World Cancer Day. The theme for the 2019-2021 campaign was ‘I Am and I Will’. To counter the negativity that cancer has no treatment, this theme was announced to promote how our actions and understanding can be impactful. The theme for the year 2022 has not been announced yet.
| Year | Theme |
| 2019-2021 | I Am and I Will |
| 2016-2018 | We can. I can |
| 2015 | Not Beyond Us |
| 2014 | Debunk the Myths |
| 2013 | Cancer Myths- Get the Facts |
| 2012 | Together let’s do something |
| 2010-2011 | Cancer can be prevented |
| 2009-2010 | I love my healthy active childhood |
World Cancer Day 2022: Significance
The purpose of celebrating World Cancer Day is to educate and spread awareness among people about cancers and their causes. In a country like India where health infrastructure is not as per the need of the population, social awareness about cancer disease is more important. This disease can be cured if it is diagnosed at an early stage.
It is unfortunate that most cancer patients lost their precious life due to a lack of awareness. World Cancer Day aims to unite people and show solidarity to cancer patients.
Symptoms of Cancer
Everyone needs to know the symptoms of cancer. If anyone has cancer disease, one of the following symptoms may face:
- Lumps
- Pain
- Severe Tiredness
- Changes in bowel and bladder function
- Abrupt weight loss
- Severe facial abnormalities
Routine medical checkups and timely diagnosis of Cancer disease are crucial for successful treatment of the disease. The more you understand the nature of this disease, the more you can take preventive measures. It is recommended to discuss cancer causes and symptoms with the medical professional.
Causes of Cancer
There are various factors that cause cancer but, one cannot point out any single reason for cancer disease. However, one can take preventive measures to reduce the risk of cancer. A healthy lifestyle is very important to stay fit. Some of the common factors that may lead to cancer are as below:
- Smoking: Habitual smokers are prone to cancer disease. Cigarettes and tobacco contain Nicotine, which may increase the risk of cancer.
- Radiation: It causes cancer disease as it harms the DNA in cells. The radiation may increase the risk of skin cancer and any other disease. If you went through any radiation exposure, it is recommended to consult your doctor as it is highly cancerous.
- Genetic Reason: Sometimes, people who have a cancer history in their family are more at risk of cancer. It may affect the generation to come. Hence, it is good to go through a medical examination at regular intervals.
- Toxic Pollutants may increase the risk of cancer because there is the availability of asbestos, arsenic, benzene and other hazardous elements.
- Food Habit: Eating healthy food is the key to a healthy life. Food that contains hazardous substances may lead to health issues.
Apart from the above, there may be several other reasons for cancer disease. One needs to identify the early symptoms so that timely treatment can be initiated. We have discussed the importance of World Cancer Day, cancer causes and symptoms. Every citizen of the world must spread awareness about this disease.