World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day Takes Place on February 4 Each Year

World Cancer Day is sparking conversations and provoking deeper dialogue on the most critical issues in cancer all around the world. Worldcancerday.org is the official website for this global observance. World Cancer Day awareness colors are orange and blue, purple, or lavender to represent all cancers. Primarily, the color for this day is purple. World Cancer Day takes place each year on February 4. Wear a purple enamel awareness ribbon pin, fabric ribbon, or purple silicone awareness wristband bracelet for World Cancer Day.

Why Raise Awareness about Cancer on World Cancer Day?

• 10 million people die each year from cancer.
• That’s more than HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined.
• By 2030, experts project cancer deaths to rise to 13 million.

What is cancer?

Cancer is a disease which occurs when changes in a group of normal cells within the body lead to uncontrolled, abnormal growth. They form a lump called a tumor. This is true of all cancers except leukemia (cancer of the blood). If left untreated, tumors can grow and spread into the surrounding normal tissue. It can also spread to other parts of the body via the blood stream and lymphatic systems. And it can affect the digestive, nervous and circulatory systems. Or release hormones that may affect body function.

Benign, Malignant or Precancerous

Cancer tumors can be divided into three groups: benign, malignant or precancerous. Benign tumors are not cancerous and rarely threaten life. They tend to grow quite slowly, do not spread to other parts of the body and are usually made up of cells quite like normal or healthy cells. They will only cause a problem if they grow very large, becoming uncomfortable, or press on other organs – for example a brain tumor inside the skull.

Malignant tumors are faster growing than benign tumors and can spread and destroy neighboring tissue. Cells of malignant tumors can break off from the main (primary) tumor and spread to other parts of the body through a process known as metastasis. Upon invading healthy tissue at the new site, they continue to divide and grow. These secondary sites are known as metastases and the condition is referred to as metastic cancer.

Precancerous (or pre-malignant) describes the condition involving abnormal cells which may (or is likely to) develop into cancer.

Types of cancers

Cancer can be classified according to the type of cell they start from.

There are five main types:

Carcinoma: A cancer that arises from the epithelial cells (the lining of cells that helps protect or enclose organs). Carcinomas may invade the surrounding tissues and organs and metastasize to the lymph nodes and other areas of the body. The most common forms of cancer in this group are breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer.

Sarcoma: A type of malignant tumor of the bone or soft tissue (fat, muscle, blood vessels, nerves and other connective tissues that support and surround organs). The most common forms of sarcoma are leiomyosarcoma, liposarcoma, and ostosarcoma.

Lymphoma and Myeloma: Lymphoma and Myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system, which runs all through the body, and can therefore occur anywhere. Myeloma (or multiple myeloma) starts in the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies to help fight infection. This cancer can affect the cell’s ability to produce antibodies effectively.

Leukemia: Leukemia is cancer of the white blood cells and bone marrow, that tissue that forms blood cells. There are several sub-types; common are lymphocytic leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Brain and Spinal Cord Cancers: These are known as central nervous system cancers. Some are benign while others can grow and spread.

Causes of Cancer

Cancers can be caused by several different factors and, as with many other illnesses, most cancers are the result of exposure to a few different causal factors. Further, it is important to remember that, while some factors cannot be modified, around one third of cancer cases can be prevented by reducing behavioral and dietary risks.

Progress in Cancer Knowledge

Today, we know more about cancer than ever before. Through investing in research and innovation, we have witnessed extraordinary breakthroughs in medicine, diagnostics, and scientific knowledge. The more we know, the more progress we can make in reducing rick factors, increasing prevention, and improving cancer diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and care.

Impact

In recent years, the United Nations, the World Health Organization and other United Nations agencies have recognized the urgent need for global commitment. When leaders speak up and act, we give ourselves a chance to make history and move toward a world without cancer.

Equity

Today, more than half (65%) of cancer deaths are happening in the least developed part of the world. Even in higher income countries, inequities still exist among lower-income, indigenous, immigrant, refugee and rural communities. Equitable access to cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care can save lives.