On World Cancer Day, individuals and communities across the globe come together to raise and spread awareness about cancer. Observed internationally as World Cancer Day, it was set up under the direction of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) with the aim of supporting the World Cancer Declaration goals written in 2008. People across the world have since then have come forward on this day to make certain optimal awareness and significantly reduce illness and deaths caused by cancer by 2020.

For 2016-2018, the theme for observing World Cancer Day is ‘We Can. I can.’ As per this theme, people are anticipated to, individually and collectively, comprehend and make efforts towards reducing the impact and harmful effects of the condition globally.

This disease has been lately recognized by The World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the leading cause of global morbidity. As of now, there is a serious push for urgent action to reduce the rate of premature cancer deaths on a global scale, while cancer leaders, health professionals and supporters across the world call for diagnostic and treatment access to be prioritized.

Worldwide every year about 8.8 million people die from cancer. Though, it is the most ill-equipped countries that have to bear the brunt of this disease, with 70% of deaths counted in the developing countries. Child cancer is one playing also a large role in cancer, highlighting the inequality factors. Not only this, survival rates differ greatly between high-income and low-income countries. For instance, in South Africa, one has a 19% chance of being diagnosed with cancer before the age of 75. In addition, there are as many as 77 440 new cancer cases each year.

On this day, the Empire State building in the United States is lit blue and orange, after the colours of the UICC — the eighth year in a row. The theme will mobilize people to work towards generating more discussions on and about cancer and for making it an issue of highest concern in terms of political discussions as well.

On our part, individuals can reduce the risk of getting diagnosed with cancer by avoiding tobacco, lessening alcohol consumption and by maintaining a healthy lifestyle that consists of a healthy diet and proper physical activity. It is significant to have regular medical check-ups and be aware of the symptoms that could indicate a cancer scare. Moreover, people can also give emotional support to the ones battling cancer by sharing their own stories of surviving the life-threatening condition.