World Cancer Day 2019 organised with “I Am and I Will” theme

  • World Cancer Day was observed on February 4, 2019 across the world. The day is organised by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).
  • The Day aims to save millions of preventable deaths each year through education, raising awareness and by pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action against the deadly disease.
  • Theme: This year UICC launched a new 3-year campaign with the theme: “I Am and I Will.”
  • The campaign is an empowering call-to-action urging for personal commitment and represents the power of individual action taken now to impact the future.
  • Over 9.6 million People die each year from cancer which is more than HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined.
  • India has around 2.25 million cases with over 1 lakh new cases being registered every year. In 2018, the disease led to nearly 7 lakh deaths. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) estimates that the country is likely to register over 17 lakh new cases and report over 8 lakh deaths by 2020.
  • The government of India is planning to scale up the tertiary care system for cancer care by setting up 20 such centres across the country. According to Health Ministry each centre will be given Rs 120 crore rupee for the purpose. Also the government is considering to lower the price of 39 cancer drugs.
  • According to the World Health Organisation:
    • Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, and is responsible for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018. Globally, about 1 in 6 deaths is due to cancer.
    • Approximately 70% of deaths from cancer occur in low- and middle-income countries.
    • Around one third of deaths from cancer are due to the 5 leading behavioral and dietary risks: high body mass index, low fruit and vegetable intake, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and alcohol use.
    • Tobacco use is the most important risk factor for cancer and is responsible for approximately 22% of cancer deaths (2).

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