February 4: World Cancer Day

Every year on February 4, World Cancer Day is celebrated, which aims to prevent millions of deaths through awareness and information about the disease. Also, on the occasion of World Day, governments, as well as civil society in all countries, are being pressured to take action against cancer.

World Cancer Day was established on February 4, 2000, at the New Millennium World Cancer Conference in Paris and is an initiative of the Union for International Cancer Control, which is the largest and the oldest anti-cancer organization.

The message of the World Cancer Day 2020 "I am and I can" falls within the three-year campaign 2019-2021. It aims to empower and encourage members of Civil Society to make a personal commitment to take action, as today's actions affect the future.

Every year 9,6cm. people are dying of cancer, making the disease the second leading cause of death worldwide. But it is worth noting that at least one third of common cancers can be prevented. 70% of cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, while each year around 3,7m. lives could be saved by implementing appropriate prevention, early diagnosis and treatment strategies, depending on each country's resources. The total annual financial cost of cancer is $ 1,16 trillion.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO): "Early diagnosis of cancer saves lives and reduces treatment costs. Unfortunately, many cancers are diagnosed very late, even in countries with advanced health systems, making treatment more difficult. "This leads to many patients suffering and premature death."

In view of the above, the Office of the Commissioner for Volunteering and Non-Governmental Organizations congratulates the Non-Governmental Organizations which are active against cancer. The field of volunteering has a strong and important contribution to the fight against cancer. With the infrastructure they have, as well as with the free services and programs they offer, they effectively support cancer patients and their families across Cyprus. In addition, through the right information, they give due importance to the prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and relief of this disease.

Undoubtedly, these would not have been possible without the full support of the State and the active involvement of Civil Society. The joint effort against cancer must continue, medical research must be intensified and information must be universal, so that we can achieve proper prevention and rapid diagnosis.

Source: Philenews