World Cancer Day 2021

World Cancer Day occurs every February 4th. It is a global uniting initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). The goal of this movement is to raise worldwide awareness, improve education and catalyze personal, collective and government action. Increased awareness, accurate information, and knowledge can empower us to recognize early warning signs, make informed choices about our health and counter our own fears and misconceptions about cancer.

Key Cancer Facts

• 9.6 million people die from cancer every year

• At least one third of common cancers are preventable

• Cancer is the second-leading cause of death worldwide

• 70% of cancer deaths occur in low-to-middle income countries

• Up to 3.7 million lives could be saved each year by implementing resource appropriate strategies for prevention, early detection, and treatment

• The total annual economic cost of cancer is estimated at US$1.16 trillion

Causes of Cancer

Cancers can be caused by different factors and, as with many other illnesses, most cancers are the result of exposure to a number of different causal factors. 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.

Visit the official World Cancer Day website to learn more.