American Cancer Society Encourages Support of World Cancer Day
February 4, 2012 /3BL Media/ - What if the entire world joined forces to fight cancer? February 4th is World Cancer Day, a time when organizations and individuals around the world send a message: Ending cancer should be a global health priority.
One of the most visible events marking the occasion in the United States will be in New York, where the Empire State Building will be lit blue and orange on Monday, February 4, for the third year in a row. The colors are those of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), which organizes World Cancer Day.
Every year, 7.6 million lives are lost to cancer worldwide – more than AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria combined – according to the UICC.
This year the UICC will focus on dispelling damaging myths and misconceptions about cancer, under the tagline “Cancer - Did you know?” The organization will use World Cancer Day to improve knowledge about cancer and dismiss these 4 myths:
- Myth 1: Cancer is just a health issue. Truth: Cancer is not just a health issue. It has wide-reaching social, economic, development, and human rights implications.
- Myth 2: Cancer is a disease of the wealthy, elderly and developed countries. Truth: Cancer is a global epidemic. It affects all ages and socio-economic groups, with developing countries bearing a disproportionate burden.
- Myth 3: Cancer is a death sentence. Truth: Many cancers that were once considered a death sentence can now be cured and for many more people, their cancer can be treated effectively.
- Myth 4: Cancer is my fate. Truth: With the right strategies, a third of the most common cancers can be prevented.
Follow the events on Twitter using hashtag #WorldCancerDay.
Around the world, communities will hold film screenings, seminars, public information campaigns and other events to raise awareness and educate people on how to fight cancer through screening and early detection, through healthy eating and physical activity, by quitting smoking, and by urging public officials to make cancer issues a priority.
