World Cancer Day
Today, 4 February is designated World Cancer Day to raise awareness of the global impact of cancer and increase understanding of prevention, detection, treatment and care. It is led by the International Union Against Cancer (UICC), a global consortium of more than 280 cancer-fighting organizations in over 90 countries.
The campaign emphasizes that 43% of cancers can be prevented through these healthy behaviors:
- Provide a smoke-free environment for children
- Be physically active, eat a balanced, healthy diet, and avoid obesity
- Learn about vaccines for virus-related liver and cervical cancers
- Avoid over-exposure to the sun
From 2008 to 2011, each year will focus on a different issue; this year is the theme is teaching children and teenagers to avoid UV exposure by being “sun smart”.
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organisation, from a total of 58 million deaths worldwide in 2005, cancer accounts for 7,6 million (or 13%) of all deaths.
Further information at the UICC website
It’s a great theme to have for this year. We need to educate our young (and not so young) people about the dangers of sun exposure
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