World Cancer Day is observed every year on 4th February. The day is organised by the UICC or International Cancer Control. The aim of observing this day is to create awareness and improve education about cancer and its devastating effects on people, families and society. Observing this day began in the year 2000 and has since been celebrated across the globe with many activities and events that are conducted by NGOs, communities, and various organizations fighting the cancer cause.
It is hoped that these events and the observance of the day will help reduce the impact of cancer worldwide.
World Cancer Day theme for the year 2020 is “I Am and I Will”. It is representative of one’s commitment to act towards putting an end to cancer deaths by atleast 1/3rd in the next ten years.
Here are some shocking statistics about cancer and its impact:
- 17 Million people die of cancer every minute across the world (WHO)
- Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world and every 1 in 6 deaths occur due to this disease
- Over 70% of the cancer deaths occur in low and middle-income countries
- The most common causes of cancer deaths are due to lung cancer, colorectal cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer and breast cancer
- In the year 2017, there were around 7 million cancer deaths in India
- ICMR estimates that there will be about 17 lakh new cancer cases in India by 2020 and will lead to over 8 lakh cancer deaths
- Cancers of the lungs and oral cavity make up for about 25% in the country
- While breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, cancer of the lip and oral cavity is the most common in men
