WEB DESK: World Cancer Day, organized by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), is being observed in Pakistan and across the world today (Monday). The main purpose of observing this day is to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment.
World Cancer Day targets misinformation, raises awareness and reduces stigma. It stresses the notion that access to life-saving cancer diagnosis, treatment and care should be equal for all; no matter where you live, what your income, your ethnicity or gender.
World Cancer Day aims to save millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and education about cancer and pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action against the disease.
In 2016, World Cancer Day started a three-year campaign under the tagline of ‘We can. I can.’, which explored the power of collective and individual actions to reduce the impact of cancer.
Then, prior to 2016, the campaign themes included “Not Beyond Us” (2015) and “Debunk the Myths” (2014). 2019 will be the start of a new campaign theme; namely ‘I Am and I Will’.
2019 marks the launch of the 3-year ‘I Am and I Will’ campaign. ‘I Am and I Will’ is an empowering call-to-action urging for personal commitment and represents the power of individual action taken now to impact the future.