World Cancer Day 2013

Today is World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day (WCD) is observed every year on February 4. Celebration of World Cancer Day signifies the effort by United Nations (UN), World Health Organisations (WHO), government and other major health organisations to unite the world and devise strategies in the fight against the cancer and also disseminate the facts about the epidemic disease, treatments and preventive measures among public. This World Cancer Day event is a substantial initiative held under the guidance of Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), the leading cancer fighting organisation endorsed by more than 400 member organisations across 120 countries. 

World Cancer Day was formed in the year 1933 in Geneva, Switzerland under UICC with the support of world's prominent cancer societies, treatment centres, research institutes and patient groups. The foundation of Cancer Day aims to curb and bring down the deadly disease. 

Report reveals that each year more than 12.7 million people undergo cancer diagnosis and over 7 million people die of cancer. The objective of World Cancer Day is to save millions of cancer victims and educate the public about the cancer symptoms, preventive measures and risk of the epidemic disease. Raising awareness about healthy diet, physical activity and environmental carcinogens is also a major part of the World Cancer Day event. To spread the messages health organisations and non-governmental organisations of their own accord take initiative by organising camps, programmes and rallies. The event is also measured as a significant moment to adopt and implement policies in controlling cancer and promoting a multisectoral response. 

World Cancer Day 2012 was particularly notable as it commemorate the completion of almost half a year after the first UN High-level Meeting on Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) that is well thought-out as a significant milestone for the global community to take action against the epidemic and also improve initiatives. 

The World Cancer Day 2012 was observed with the theme 'Together it is possible' to encourage the general public, government and organisations to be a part of the event and also spread and share the message. Moreover, to help reach out and support local activities, the UICC provides toolkit containing templates, flyers and guidance to various organisations. To reach the public and mark the World Cancer Day, this year the UICC has created a logo. The theme of World Cancer Day 2013 is "Cancer - Did you know?" focusing on the World Cancer Declaration: Dispel damaging myths and misconceptions about cancer. 

The cancer threat looms large killing millions and so World Cancer Day 2013 is the right time to start preventive measures.