Cancer Days for Awareness

Cancer is always serious. Every year more than 8 million people die from cancer which is 13% of all deaths around the world. How much do you know about cancer? The following information everybody should know about cancer:

* Abnormal growth and spread of cells is called cancer.

* All tumors are not cancerous.

* Cancer can affect almost all parts of the body.

* There are more than 100 different types of cancers which affect humans.

* The most common types of cancer in men are lung, colorectal, stomach, prostate and liver cancer.   On the other hand, breast, lung, colorectal, uterine cervix, stomach cancer are the most common in women

* Smoking, obesity, poor diet, lack of physical activity and alcohol consumption are the main causes of cancer. Tobacco use is responsible for the most cancer deaths (about 22%).

* Surgery, Chemotherapy or radiotherapy are the treatment methods of cancer.

* Many cancers are preventable.

* Early detection and effective treatment reduce sufferings of cancer patients.

Every year, 'World Cancer Day' is observed on 4 February and 'International Childhood Cancer Day' is observed on 15 February. The main objectives of observing the days are:

1. Raising awareness about cancer and

2. Expressing support for cancer patients, survivors and their families.

In 2016, 'World Cancer Day' was observed on 4 February. Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) organized the day. On the day, world community adopted 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) to ensure healthy lives and promote well being for all. To reduce premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases like cancer everybody has acknowledged that collaborative action is imperative. WHO provided guidance engaging UN agencies and entities. WHO says that global participation and commitment is required for comprehensive cancer control.

Though rare, Childhood Cancer which arises in childhood(0-15 years) touches all regions of the world. According to World Health Organization(WHO), more than 150,000 children are diagnosed with cancer every year. The number may increase in future. Low and middle income countries cannot afford to treat their childhood cancer patients where 80% of cancer of children is treatable. Among all cancers, leukemia is the most common in childhood. Cancer registries which show actual data on cancer incidence are not available in poorer countries.

So, all governments, NGOs and other organizations should work together to prevent and cure cancer. Observing cancer days can be fruitful if collective actions are taken.