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World Cancer Day
Today is World Cancer Day!
Observe World Cancer Day on February 4. On this day, organizations and individuals around the world unite to raise awareness about cancer. Further, they work to make cancer a global health priority. Every year more than 8 million people worldwide die from cancer. To call attention to this important day, wear your orange and blue ribbon on February 4 each year.
In addition, World Cancer Day is more than a day on the calendar. For this reason, the World Cancer Day campaign is built to inspire change and mobilize action long after the day itself. A multi-year campaign means more exposure and engagement. It also means more opportunities to build global awareness and ultimately more impact.
Blue and Orange for Cancer Control
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. These are the colors of the Union for International Cancer Control. This organizes World Cancer Day.
Communities Come Together to Raise Awareness About World Cancer Day
In addition, around the world, communities hold festivals, walks, seminars, and public information campaigns. Other awareness events include symposiums to educate people about how to fight cancer through screening and early detection. Healthful eating and physical activity are also stressed. Further, smoking, one of the greatest contributors to cancer, is publicized as a contributor to poor health. By quitting smoking, and by urging public officials to make cancer issues a priority, you raise awareness on World Cancer Day.
How Can Smoking-Related Cancers Be Prevented?
The most important thing you can do to prevent smoking-related cancer is not to smoke cigarettes, or to quit if you do. It is also important to avoid secondhand smoke.
For example, quitting smoking lowers the risk for twelve types of cancer. These include cancers of the lung, larynx, oral cavity and pharynx, esophagus, pancreas, bladder, stomach, colon and rectum, liver, cervix, kidney, and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
- Within 5-10 years of quitting, your chance of getting cancer of the mouth, throat, or voice box drops by half.
- Within 10 years of quitting, your chance of getting cancer of the bladder, esophagus, or kidney decreases.
- Within 10-15 years after you quit smoking, your risk of lung cancer drops by half.
- Within 20 years after you quit smoking, your risk of getting cancer of the mouth, throat, voice box, or pancreas drops to close of that of someone who does not smoke. Also, the risk of cervical cancer drops by about half.
The Impact of Cancer on Family and Friends
To everyone who has been touched by cancer, let your experience motivate you to take every precaution to ensure your future health and happiness. And to support those who struggle with a cancer diagnosis. And, for all the cancer survivors in the world, we support you.
To everyone we have lost to cancer, we wish you were here.
Find your color for your cause in our helpful Awareness Cause and Color Reference Guide.
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