World Cancer Day, 2023 – What You Should Know
World Cancer Day takes place on February 4th every year and serves as a reminder of the global impact of cancer and the need to continue our efforts to fight the disease. The day is an opportunity to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment.
Cancer is a leading cause of death around the world, and the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the number of new cancer cases is rising by about 8% each year. In 2020, the WHO estimated that there were 18.1 million new cancer cases and 9.6 million cancer–related deaths worldwide.
World Cancer Day was established in 2000 by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to help raise awareness of the disease, encourage prevention, and support those whose lives have been affected by cancer.
Each year, thousands of events and fundraising efforts are held on this day in hospitals, schools, businesses, markets, community halls, parks, etc. to unite people and organizations and serve as a powerful reminder that those affected by cancer are not alone and that everyone has a role to play in lessening the disease’s global impact.
Rising Importance of Battling Cancer
The top cause of death worldwide, accounting for more than one crore fatalities in 2020, is cancer. Cancer risk factors include the use of tobacco, heavy alcohol use, poor eating patterns, insufficient exercise, and exposure to air pollution.
Overcoming the cancer risk resulting from a number of chronic conditions presents a special challenge for low- and middle-income countries. These countries also had a bad prognosis for cancer because of a lack of education, a delay in diagnosis, and limited access to cheap treatment. The lack of cancer awareness also contributes to a delay in diagnosis in poorer nations.
World Cancer Day sheds light on the importance of preventing cancer, diagnosing it early, and facing it with the right treatment.
The theme for World Cancer Day, 2023
The World Cancer Day theme for 2023 is “Close the Care Gap,” which builds on the theme for 2022 and will run through 2024 (a 3-year campaign with specific goals for each year). World Cancer Day 2023’s goal is to raise awareness and encourage action.
The second year—this year—focuses on creating new and stronger alliances in order to bring together the voices of those who share similar viewpoints and make a potent appeal.
What is On the List for 2023?
“Let’s unite to make the world aware of closing the gap in cancer care.”
The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) will sponsor the “5k Challenge” on World Cancer Day in 2023, which encourages people of all backgrounds to take part in sports, including running, cycling, swimming, hiking, or walking, to represent reducing the care gap.
There will also be “21-day challenges” for people to start new, healthy habits, spread the word about cervical cancer, and educate themselves about barriers to getting cancer treatment.
The Day will also be centered on investigating the socioeconomic factors, such as gender and cultural norms, income and educational levels, and biases based on age, gender, ethnicity, handicap, and lifestyle, that contribute to disparities in cancer prevention, incidence, and survival.
While understanding the significance of this day, we must also take little steps in our daily lives to prevent the risk of this said disease.
Here’s how you can imbibe the little things to take a step toward healthier living:
Exercise Regularly
There are few things as healthy as regular physical activity. Even though it can be challenging to find the time, it’s crucial to include at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. Any amount of time is preferable to none, while more is even better.
Stop Smoking
Along with other major issues, smoking leads to numerous cancers. So refrain from smoking. Quitting is one of the finest things you can do for your health if you smoke or use smokeless tobacco. It’s challenging, but you can pull it off.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Simple rules apply to good eating in general. Keep red meat and processed meat to a minimum and place a greater emphasis on fruits, vegetables, and healthy grains. Additionally, it’s critical to limit harmful fats.
Minimum exposure to the sun and avoid Tanning Beds
While basking in the warm sun can be enjoyable, excessive sun exposure can cause skin cancer, including melanoma. Additionally, tanning beds have a similar risk. Early skin damage in youngsters makes kid protection all the more crucial.
Get Screening Tests Done When Needed
There are several significant screening exams that can aid in cancer prevention. While some of these tests can help prevent cancer from occurring in the first place, others can help discover cancer early when it is more curable.
Conclusion
Taking cancer day seriously and actively participating in the fight against cancer is key to preventing and treating the disease. By taking part in activities such as raising awareness and funds for cancer research, people can help to advance the field of cancer research and find better treatments and cures for the disease.
Furthermore, it can also help to reduce the stigma associated with cancer. By educating people about the prevalence of cancer and the importance of early detection, people can begin to break down the barriers of misunderstanding and fear that prevent many people from seeking treatment.
Finally, this whole initiative is to lend a supporting hand to those who are currently battling the disease. By joining in the fight against cancer, people can show those affected by cancer that they are not alone in their fight and that they can find support and strength in those who care about tackling this disease.
