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 "Cancer can be
prevented too” is a global campaign launched on World Cancer Day by the
International Union Against Cancer (UICC) to increase public awareness on the
prevention of cancer and how a number of simple steps can significantly
reduce the risk of developing cancer later in life.
Celebrated every year on February 4th, World Cancer Day is
led by UICC and its member organizations with the support of the World Health
Organization and key partners.
“Today’ children, tomorrow’s world”
– prevent cancer with healthy habits”
This is a five year programme,
launched on World cancer Day 2007.
It aims to raise awareness about the ways we can prevent
cancer through the choices we make. 2007 introduced the overall theme
From 2008 to 2011, each year will focus on a different
issue:
 2008 – give children and young people a smoke –free environment
2009 -
encourage an energy – balanced life-style based on healthy diet and physical activity
2010 – raising awareness on the prevention of cancer related infections
2011 – teach children and teenagers to avoid
UV exposure by being “sun smart”
Globally, cancer accounts for one in eight of all deaths - more than AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria
combined.
Each year, over 12 million people receive a cancer
diagnosis and 7.6 million die of the disease. If no action is taken, the
worldwide cancer burden is expected to reach 26 million new diagnoses and 17
million deaths by the year 2030, with the most rapid increases occurring in
low – and middle-income countries.
The good news is that experts estimate that 40% of cancers
can be prevented.
The risk of you or your family developing cancer can be
significantly reduced through simple measures:
Stopping tobacco use and avoiding exposure to
passive smoke
Limiting alcohol consumption
Avoiding excessive sun exposure
Regular physical activity
Eating healthily
Maintaining a healthy weight
Protecting against cancer-causing infections
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