Each year on 4 February, World Cancer Day helps communities and individuals across the world show support for cancer sufferers and raise the profile of cancer in a positive and inspiring way.
The World Cancer Day campaigns are based on a three-year cycle. The multi-year campaign strategy offers a chance to create a long-lasting impact by increasing public exposure and engagement, more opportunities to build global awareness and targeted action.
In 2021, the final year of the ‘I Am and I Will’ campaign, the aim is to show that our actions have an effect on everyone around us - within neighbourhoods, communities and cities.
It also shows that more than ever, our actions are being felt across borders and oceans.
The 2021 campaign is a reminder of the power of cooperation and collective action.
World Cancer Day generally is observed to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment. It is led by the Union for International Cancer Control, a global consortium of more than 470 cancer-fighting organisations in more than 120 countries.
The aims of the event are to help save millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and education about cancer, and pressing governments across the world to take action against the disease. The day is a key opportunity for everyone affected by cancer to work together to ensure that world leaders stick to the promises in relation to reducing the impact of cancer.
Cancer is a large group of different diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumours, and invade nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream. Not all tumours are cancerous.
Significantly, the number of cancer cases and related deaths worldwide is estimated to double over the next 20 to 40 years.
To find out how you can get involved visit Cancer Australia’s website here.
