SunstarTV Bureau: In order to raise awareness among people about cancer and to reduce stigma that surrounds the disease that is the second leading cause of deaths globally. The International day is observed by the United Nations.
In India, the most common types of cancer are breast, oral, cervical, lung, stomach and colorectal cancer, making it imperative to provide people with the correct information and healthcare in time.
First time in year 2000, February 4, the World Cancer Day was held in Paris which was established at the World Cancer Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium. To promote research, prevent cancer, the day celebrates the anniversary of the signing of the ‘Charter of Paris Against Cancer’ by the General Director of UNESCO, Kōichirō Matsuura and the French President Jacques Chirac.
Multiple initiatives are run on World Cancer Day to show support for those affected by cancer. One of these movements are ‘No Hair Selfie’, a global movement to have “hairticipants” shave their heads either physically or virtually to show a symbol of courage for those undergoing cancer treatment. Images of participants are then shared all over social media. Hundreds of events around the world also take place.
Each day which is celebrated has been named with its own theme that would guide the agenda of the celebrations and campaigns. In 2019, the theme ‘I Am and I Will’ was introduced and was to be carried on till 2021. This multi-year campaign has been focused on the community as a whole and the actions that each individual can take towards reducing the global impact of cancer.
According to the World Cancer Day website, the primary goal is to focus on positive actions in order to reach the ‘target of reducing the number of premature deaths from cancer and noncommunicable diseases by 1/3 by 2030’.
