World Cancer Awareness Day 2019

 February is National Cancer Prevention month, and February 4th is World Cancer Day. World Cancer Day is an initiative of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), the largest and oldest international cancer organization. Its primary objective is to raise awareness and encourage people to talk, read, and learn about cancer, its treatment, and prevention. This year marks the first time the organization will launch a 3-year campaign theme entitled “I Am and I Will.” According to UICC, World Cancer Day is a campaign to inspire change and action long after the day has passed. “We believe that access to life-saving cancer diagnosis, treatment and care should be equal for all – no matter where you live, what your income, your ethnicity or gender.”
The American Cancer Society is partnering with organizations globally to prevent cancer worldwide. ACS states, “Our vision is to eliminate preventable cancers through high impact cancer prevention initiatives, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where the burden of cancer deaths are highest.” Two current global initiatives emphasize highly effective and underused strategies for cancer prevention: tobacco taxation and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.
The “I Am and I Will” theme encourages people to assert who they are and what they will do to reduce the negative impacts of cancer. The goal for all of us is to ensure that fewer people develop cancer, more people are successfully treated, and that there is a better quality of life for people during treatment and beyond.” Individuals are encouraged to take action such as eating healthy and being active, wearing sunscreen, avoiding tobacco, and engaging in life-saving vaccines and screenings.
So, join the movement and unite with countries around the world to help shape policy changes and improve access to care. Join the American Cancer Society in its mission to save lives and make the world free from cancer. World Cancer Day reminds us to celebrate survivors, honor those who have passed, and never stop fighting to eliminate cancer in our world.
For more information visit cancer.org or contact the SCV ACS office at 661-298-0886 option 3.