Every passing minute 17 people die of cancer around the globe.
Every year Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) organizes World Cancer Day on 4th of February. A day that units people, communities and countries to take an action and raise awareness. It provides an opportunity for international community to work together on prevention and cure of preventable suffering from cancer.
Theme for this year is, “I can, we can”. This theme acknowledges the fight and sufferings of cancer patients during their treatment. It motivates that everyone has the capacity to address the cancer burden.
One this day lets know some global facts about cancer:
1. 16-18% deaths occur due to cancer globally every year
2. 70% of total deaths occur in low to middle income countries.
3. Top 5 cancers are:
- Skin Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Lungs Cancer
4. 30-50% cancers are treatable
5. Smoking is the biggest cause of cancer. And smoking cessation is the single largest preventable cause.
6. Cancer-causing infections are 25% responsible for cancers in low to middle income countries. HPV causes cervical cancer and HBV causes liver cancer. Preventing both with vaccination can prevent up to 1.2 million cancer cases per year.
7. Cancer is the highest economic burden of all of the 15 leading causes of death worldwide. It takes $895 billion of total economy respectively).
8. Only about 15% of total cancer patients receive palliative care currently.
9. Only one in five low and middle income have access to necessary data regarding cancer treatments and policy.
10. More than 60% of world’s total new annual cases occur in Africa, Asia and Central and South America.
We need to work together against all odds to share this burden of cancer across the globe. We can overcome barriers to early diagnosis, treatment and palliative care. We can work together to improve cancer control and achieve global targets to reduce premature mortality from cancer
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