Taking place under the tagline ‘We can. I can.’, the three-year World Cancer Day campaign (2016-2018) explores how everyone – as a collective or as individuals – can do their part to reduce the global burden of cancer.
The global cancer epidemic is vast and is set to rise. About 8,2 million people die from cancer worldwide every year. In South Africa, one in four is affected by cancer through diagnosis of family, friends or self.
How did World Cancer Day originate?
World Cancer Day was established by the Paris Charter adopted at the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millenium in Paris on 4 February 2000. This Charter aimed at the promotion of the research for curing as well as preventing the disease, upgrading the provided services to the patients, the sensitisation of the common opinion and the mobilisation of the global community against cancer.
In its article 10, the Charter established that 4 February would therefore be World Cancer Day, so that the Charter of Paris would remain in the hearts and minds of people around the world.
What can we do?
- Share policy change.
- Support others to return to work.
- Prevent cancer.
- Make the case for investing cancer control.
- Join forces to make a difference.
- Inspire action, take action.
- Create healthy cities.
- Create healthy schools.
- Create healthy workplaces.
- Improve access to cancer care.
- Challenge perceptions.
- Build a quality workforce.
What can I do?
- Understand that early detection saves lives.
- Take control of my cancer journey.
- Return to work.
- Make my voice heard.
- Make healthy lifestyle choices.
- Love, and be loved.
- Ask for support.
For more information, please visit www.worldcancerday.org
