For millions of people around the world, cancer is on their mind every day. But each year on February 4th, the world comes together to take a day to collectively think about cancer and reflect on its impact – either personally or throughout the world.
In 2000, led by the Union for International Cancer Control, World Cancer Day was established. It is held as a day to encourage cancer detection, prevention and treatment as well as help those organizations that are working to reduce illness and death. Many countries and organizations host fundraisers aimed to educate the public on the warning signs of cancer as well as raise funds for important research.
World Cancer Day is an important day to remind everyone that cancer is truly an international concern and is not bound by borders or oceans.
Cancer is Worldwide
World Cancer Day is a reminder to everyone that the fight against cancer is truly an international effort. According to the World Health Organization cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020. In addition to a staggering number of annual deaths, there were also 18.1 million new cases of cancer diagnosed worldwide in 2020, 1.8 million of those in the United States.
Young or old, male or female, cancer touches everyone at some point. According to the National Cancer Institute, nearly 40 percent of Americans will have cancer at some point in their life. This means that either you or someone you love will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their life.
Crushing Cancer Starts with Early Detection
Surviving Cancer starts with early detection. For most forms of cancer, finding it early can greatly increase the ability for your body to respond to treatment. Scanning your body for signs and symptoms does should not w wait until you reach a certain age, be based solely upon
family history or only are at an increased risk. Everyone should spend a little time getting to know their body so they can be on the lookout for a sudden abnormality.
Educating yourself on the general signs and symptoms of cancer is the first step at taking control of your health. Once you know what to look for you can learn how to monitor your body periodically for changes. Taking these simple and quick steps may just save your life someday.
Learn how you can spot cancer in five steps at spottingcancer.org.