World Cancer Day (WCD), celebrated annually on 04 February, drives important action on all fronts – in prevention, early stage cancer detection, screening and diagnosis, as well as implements dedicated programs to help deliver on the nine World Cancer Declaration targets to achieve major reductions in premature deaths from cancer, improve the quality of life of patients, and increase survival rates.
Commenting on the global relevance of each WCD, VHIO’s Director, Josep Tabernero, observed, “The estimated 18.1 million new cancer cases and 9.6 million cancer deaths in 2018* serve as a stark reminder that the current, not to mention future, burden of cancer already weighs too heavy on society and healthcare systems globally – irrespective of the particular reimbursement models or national cancer plans that might or might not be in place. The time to take action towards reversing these alarming statistics is now.”
He continued, “We must all seek to support the superb efforts led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) in extending the reach and impact of each World Cancer Day as well as engaging all stakeholders and individuals across the world to take a determined stand against this terrible disease.”
Building on the successes of the previous 3-year WCD campaigns, 2019 marks the start of a new one themed: I Am and I Will. Calling for personal commitment in raising the profile of cancer as a global health priority, this edition appeals to each of us to do our part in reducing the global burden of cancer.
World Cancer Day is also about reaching out to many other influencers of change including cancer researchers, healthcare professionals, leading institutions, organizations and associations in oncology, governments, patients and advocates, as well as the industry to help spread the word, join together and get involved today.
Downloadable ready-made materials including a range of toolkits, customizable posters, banners, infographics and so much more are all ready to use. On behalf of VHIO, we encourage you to help build on the tremendous #WorldCancerDay achievements marked to-date. To find out about more about the many ways you can get involved please visit: www.worldcancerday.org.
No matter what level of engagement, every action in support of the 2019 WCD campaign #IAmAndIWill has an impact, each and every voice counts.
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Reference:
Bray F, Ferlay J, Soerjomataram I, Siegel RL, Torre LA, Jemal A. Global cancer statistics 2018: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. CA Cancer J Clin. 2018 Nov;68(6):394-424. doi: 10.3322/caac.21492. Epub 2018 Sep 12.
