World Cancer Day (04/02)

World Cancer Day, or World Cancer Day, celebrated on February 4, — is an annual event organized by the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) since 2005.

The purpose of this — Day is to raise public awareness of this global issue, remind how dangerous and common cancer is now, and significantly reduce cancer mortality.

Cancer — is a general designation for more than 100 diseases that can affect any part of the body. One of the characteristic signs of cancer is the rapid formation of abnormal cells sprouting beyond their normal boundaries. This process is called metastasis. Metastases are the leading cause of death from cancer.

Currently, there are about 44 million people living in the world who are in stable remission after an oncological diagnosis. According to the World Health Organization, radiation therapy is needed in approximately 70% of cancer patients.

Cancer — is always a tragedy. But experts say that the causes of cancer are now well known, and this makes it possible to prevent approximately one third of new cases. If a cancerous tumor is detected in the early stages, successful treatment is possible. In addition, up to 40% of cancer cases can be prevented by avoiding contact with known carcinogens such as tobacco smoke.

If a cancerous tumor is detected in the early stages, successful treatment is possible (Photo: science photo, licensed by Shutterstock.com)

It's no secret that cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and doctors predict that cancer deaths will continue to rise. Every year, most cancer deaths are from lung, stomach, liver, large intestine and breast cancer. A third of deaths are caused by five main risk factors that are associated with behavior and nutrition — is high body mass index, insufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables, physical inactivity, tobacco use and alcohol consumption. By the way, smoking — is the most significant risk factor for cancer, leading to 22% of global cancer deaths and 71% of global lung cancer deaths. Cancer-causing infections such as HBV/HCV and HPV lead to 20% of cancer deaths in low - and middle-income countries.

In Russia, the National Oncology Program has been implemented since 2009, in which all regions of the country take part. In November 2017, the National Strategy to Combat Cancer until 2030 was approved, aimed at developing and implementing a set of measures to prevent and combat cancer and reduce overall mortality from oncology.

Since October 2018, the National Project «Health» began its work. Its implementation should help reduce mortality rates from cancer in Russia from more than 200 to 180 people per 100 thousand population by 2024.

In addition, medicine does not stand still: methods of combating cancer are improved every year, and, perhaps, after some time vaccines against all types of this terrible disease will appear. But for now, doctors advise not to neglect prevention, not to abuse bad habits and to lead a healthy, active lifestyle.

Doctors advise not to neglect prevention, not to abuse bad habits and to lead a healthy active lifestyle (Photo: Lightspring, licensed by Shutterstock.com)

Every year since 2008, this Day has been designated by a specific theme. For example, the topics of 2008 and 2009 were, respectively, the words: «Create an environment for children and youth without tobacco smoke» and « Encourage an energy-balanced lifestyle based on proper nutrition and physical activity». The theme for 2010 was: «Get knowledge of vaccines against cancer-causing viruses (eg HBV vaccine)»; The theme for 2011 is — «Teach children and adolescents to avoid exposure to ultraviolet radiation emanating from the sun».

Cancer Day 2013 was held under the slogan: «Cancer. Did you know?», which reflected the need to debunk myths and unfounded judgments about cancer, as well as consolidate a correct understanding of the problem and take preventive measures. Theme 2014 — «Debunk myths» — continued this campaign.

In 2016-2018, World Cancer Day was held under the slogan «We can. I can» (We can. I can). In 2019, a three-year «I am and I Will campaign started. On this day, it is proposed to take collective or individual measures to alleviate the burden of cancer. Theme of World Cancer Day 2022-2024: «Cares are worthy of all».



Postcard February «4 — World Cancer Day»

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