World Cancer Day 2023

World Cancer Day is an annual event held on 4th February, dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of the disease. It is a global initiative to improve awareness and knowledge of cancer risks and better prevent, detect and treat the disease.

This awareness day is a great opportunity for those affected by cancer to come together in solidarity and fight against it. This year’s theme is “Close the Care Gap” and in honour of this special occasion, here’s what you need to know about cancer and World Cancer Day 2023.

Did you know?

According to the Union for International Cancer Control:

• 10 million people died from cancer in 2020
• 70% of cancer deaths occur in low-to-middle income countries
• Less than 30% of low-income countries have cancer treatment services available (compared to 90% in high-income countries)

According to WHO (World Health Organization):

• Approximately 734,000 individuals are diagnosed with cancer every year
• Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide

What Is World Cancer Day?

World Cancer Day was first launched in 2000 by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). The event has grown exponentially since then, with millions of the world’s population taking part in activities to spread awareness and show solidarity with those affected by cancer.

As part of this event, organisations like UICC host events such as fundraising walks and health seminars to help educate people about cancer prevention and treatment options. Additionally, many countries observe holidays on February 4th in honour of World Cancer Day.

Closing the Care Gap

World Cancer Day 2023 marks the second year of the three-year ‘Close the care gap’ campaign centred on the issue of equity.

Despite advances in cancer treatments and diagnostic tests, evidence suggests that there are still difficult inequities across communities when it comes to having access to care. From issues like lack of transport or finances to underlying social and cultural factors. It’s clear that more needs to be done at both local levels and globally in order for all people affected by cancer to get the best and most appropriate care possible. This is why the theme for this year is “Close the Care Gap” in an effort to highlight disparities in care in our society and inspire real progress and equity in cancer care access.

The Impact Of World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day has had a great impact on both individuals living with cancer as well as society at large. By sparking conversations about cancer and raising public awareness, it helps reduce stigma surrounding it,while also encouraging people to seek out information about early detection methods or treatments available to them if they are diagnosed.

Furthermore, it helps raise funds for research initiatives that are essential in finding cures for different types of cancers. Finally, it serves as a reminder that we all need to do our part in fighting this illness wherever possible.

What is Cancer?

Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells divide uncontrollably and invade other parts of the body. It arises from damage to DNA, resulting in genetic mutations that allow cells to grow and divide without normal regulation. Cancer can affect any organ system or part of the body and can have many different symptoms, depending upon the type of cancer.

Different types of cancer

While there are many different types of cancer, some major classifications include:

• Carcinomas (which originate in the skin or any other tissue that lines organs and glands), breast cancer, bowel cancer (colorectal cancer), cervical cancer and lung cancer, which start in the cells that make up organs
• Sarcomas (which start in the connective tissue like muscle, fat and bone) include bone cancer
• Lymphomas (that originate from the immune system’s white blood cells)
• Myelomas (cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow)
• Leukemias (blood cell cancers)
• Brain and spinal cord cancers (these are known as central nervous system cancers)

Each form affects certain organs differently, depending on what type of cell it originated from. However, they all have crucial similarities.

Signs and symptoms of cancer

Knowing the signs and symptoms of cancer is key to early detection and being able to get a cancer diagnosis sooner. Although cancer is not always obvious, it can cause several unexpected issues that include but are not limited to unreliable weight changes, fatigue, strange sensations in the body, difficulty consuming food or drinks, loss of appetite, chest pain or discomfort, coughing or hoarseness added with their respective bouts of fever and colds.

If you notice any combination of these symptoms, it is best to reach out to your doctor as soon as possible.

What are the different causes of cancer?

Cancer is an incredibly complex process with many potential causes and considerations. There are many different types of cancer, caused by a variety of factors. Some causes are environmental, such as air pollution and exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or tanning bed. People’s lifestyle choices like smoking and diets high in red meat can also increase a person’s risk for certain cancers. Genetic mutations inherited from family members or acquired spontaneous changes in DNA can make a person more vulnerable to developing cancer. Additionally, viruses, parasites, some infections and even hormone irregularities can be linked to causing certain cancers.

Management and treatment of cancer

Managing and treating cancer is an incredibly important part of the fight against this disease. This process starts with an accurate diagnosis from a doctor or medical team, who will work to determine the stage of cancer and recommend treatments. Cancer deaths can be reduced if cases are detected and treated early.

Depending on the type of cancer being treated, management may include lifestyle changes such as diet modifications, exercise regimes, or even quitting smoking. Treatment for cancer may include several methods, including prescribed drugs, surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. Every patient’s situation is unique. Your treatment plan should be tailored to fit your individual needs and take into account your preferences and lifestyle. The support of family, friends, healthcare providers and specialists can help provide comfort while managing and treating cancer.

The impact of cancer

When cancer enters our lives, the world can suddenly become an incredibly difficult place. From the cancer diagnosis through each step of cancer care, cancer takes a great toll on individuals and their loved ones. On an emotional level, cancer can bring about feelings of confusion and fearfulness as well as bouts of anxiety or depression. Physically, cancer treatments can be quite difficult. Many cancer treatments have intense side effects that can detrimentally impact a patient’s quality of life in the short-term and long-term.

Cancer can have a profound impact on the quality of life for patients, their families and those who care for them. For many cancer patients, quality of life is not just about survival but also about living as fully and comfortably as possible despite being affected by the disease. Aside from any medical treatment required, quality of life activities can include enjoying time spent with family and friends, finding solace in prayer or music, joining support groups, managing stress through hobbies or exercise and finding resources to help with financial strains.

Sharing experiences with other cancer patients can offer both relief and insight in understanding the many hard aspects of living with cancer. It is important for those impacted to recognise that they are not alone in this journey, as it is one shared by millions worldwide.

What can I do for World Cancer Day?

There are many ways in which you can get involved with World Cancer Day 2023! Here are just a few ideas:

• Spread awareness through social media posts or blogs
• Reach out to local organisations in your area that provide resources or support for those affected by cancer
• Participate in local fundraisers or events such as 5K challenges walks/runs, galas/dinners, concerts, auctions, etc
• Set up a Cancer Research UK Giving Page for friends and family to donate towards finding a cure for cancer
• Take part in online campaigns and post activities on social media, with the hashtags #WorldCancerDay and #CloseTheCareGap
• Encourage local healthcare professionals in the cancer community to host educational seminars about cancer-related topics like early detection methods or lifestyle changes that can help prevent cancer
• World Cancer Day materials are freely available from the World Cancer website for you to develop your own activities and actions around the day including toolkits, posters, how-to guides, infographics and factsheets

Awareness of cancer symbols

One of the most common cancer awareness symbols is the pink ribbon, which universally stands for breast cancer awareness. Throughout October in many countries, pink ribbons and pink merchandise are sold to support and remind people of the importance of understanding and managing breast cancer. Furthermore, research has shown that pink ribbon campaigns have been successful in increasing awareness about early detection and treatment options for breast cancer.

In addition to pink, there is an orange ribbon to symbolise childhood cancer. Wearing a colorful orange ribbon helps spread knowledge about prevention and awareness of childhood cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, brain tumors, and more rare forms.

Talking about these diseases freely helps eliminate stigmas and encourages people who are suffering to be brave in their fight against them. The pink ribbon and orange ribbon stand united worldwide as powerful signs of hope for individuals touched by breast or childhood cancers.

Working together

World Cancer Day is an important reminder of why we should continue fighting against this deadly disease. By working together and supporting each other, we can make great strides towards finding a cure and making sure no one has to suffer from cancer ever again. No matter how large or small your contribution may be, it all makes a difference – so let’s join forces this February 4th and show our support for those affected by cancer! #MakeCancerHistory #WorldCancerDay2023

Sources

• See what happened around the world – World Cancer Day
• One month to World Cancer Day 2023! – UICC
• Action tool kit – World Cancer Day 
• World Cancer Day 0 Time And Date