It’s World Cancer Day 2019. I’m sure all of us have been affected by cancer in some shape or form. It certainly has affected me personally (see previous blog post) and I see its devastating effects at work on a regular basis. Cancer awareness, diagnosis and treatment has certainly come a long way in my lifetime, but there is so much more that we can achieve. Campaigns such as World Cancer Day are a way of reminding us of this fact.
#WorldCancerDay
Every year there is a global campaign to raise awareness and to encourage more and more people to engage in discussion about cancer amongst colleagues and friends. This year I am joining the discussion in the hope that one day we can create a world without cancer.
The World Cancer Day campaign is aiming to reduce the number of premature cancer deaths from non-communicable diseases by 25% by the year 2025. In order to achieve this we need to keep on with research, improve early detection and provide improved treatment (not forgetting supportive and palliative care) as a global community.
#IAmAndIWill
FIVE FACTS ABOUT CANCER:
- 9.6 million people die form cancer every year
- Today there are 43.8 million people globally who are alive within 5 years of a cancer diagnosis
- Genetic mutations play a role in 5-10% of cancers but an astonishing 27% of cancers relate to tobacco and alcohol use
- 70% of cancer deaths occur in the least developed parts of the world
- Inequity in life-saving cancer treatment occurs for women, children, lower socio-economic groups and in rural communities
WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR CANCER RISK:
- Choose healthy foods and live an active lifestyle
- Quit smoking
- Reduce alcohol consumption
- Be sun smart
- Be aware of signs and symptoms and access health advice early
- Take part in vaccinations (e.g. HPV vaccinations in the UK)
- Attend screening (cervical, breast, bowel etc…)
Please look at www.worldcancerday.org for further information and how you can help spread the message.
