World Cancer Day, 2021
Cancer is a broad term. It describes the disease that
results when cellular changes cause the uncontrolled growth and division of
cells. Some types of cancer cause rapid cell growth, while others cause cells
to grow and divide at a slower rate. Certain forms of cancer result in visible
growths called tumors, while others, such as leukemia, do not. Most of the
body’s cells have specific functions and fixed lifespans. While it may sound
like a bad thing, cell death is part of a natural and beneficial phenomenon
called apoptosis. A cell receives instructions to die so that the body can
replace it with a newer cell that functions better. Cancerous cells lack the
components that instruct them to stop dividing and to die. As a result, they
build up in the body, using oxygen and nutrients that would usually nourish
other cells. Cancerous cells can form tumors, impair the immune system and
cause other changes that prevent the body from functioning regularly. Cancerous
cells may appear in one area, then spread via the lymph nodes. These are
clusters of immune cells located throughout the body. There are many causes of
cancer, and some are preventable. For example, over 480,000 people die in the
U.S. each year from smoking cigarettes, according to data reported in 2014. In
addition to smoking, risk factors for cancer include: heavy alcohol
consumption, excess body weight, physical inactivity, poor nutrition. Other
causes of cancer are not preventable. Currently, the most significant
unpreventable risk factor is age.
World Cancer Day every 4 February is the global uniting
initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). By raising
worldwide awareness, improving education and catalysing personal, collective
and government action, we're working together to reimagine a world where
millions of preventable cancer deaths are saved and access to life-saving
cancer treatment and care is equal for all - no matter who you are or where you
live. Created in 2000, World Cancer Day
has grown into a positive movement for everyone, everywhere to unite under one
voice to face one of our greatest challenges in history. Each year, hundreds of
activities and events take place around the world, gathering communities,
organisations and individuals in schools, businesses, hospitals, marketplaces,
parks, community halls, places of worship - in the streets and online - acting
as a powerful reminder that we all have a role to play in reducing the global
impact of cancer. This year's World Cancer Day's theme, 'I Am and I Will', is
all about you and your commitment to act. We believe that through our positive
actions, together we can reach the target of reducing the number of premature
deaths from cancer and non communicable diseases by one third by 2030.Join us
on 4 February and speak out and stand up for a cancer-free world. Our time to
act is now.
