World Cancer Day 2020 – ‘I Am and I Will’

World Cancer Day 2020 is observed on 4th February (today) around the world.

World Cancer Day is an opportunity to rally the international community to end the injustice of preventable suffering from cancer.

Cancer occurs due to abnormal growth of cells in tissue or organ of the body. Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally.

There are several types of cancer including breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, skin cancer, prostate cancer and many more.

The symptoms and risk factors depend on the type of cancer.

Healthy changes in lifestyle and diet can help in reducing the overall risk of cancer. Cancer cases are on a rise in India.

The year 2020 marks the midway point of the 3-year ‘I Am and I Will’ campaign, which acknowledges that everyone has the capacity to address the cancer burden.

In the world and in Iran, cancer prevalence will almost double over the next two decades, which is higher in developing countries than in developed ones, due to increased life expectancy and the aging population.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says that one third of cancer-related are due to the five leading behavioural and dietary risks.

It includes high body mass index, low fruit and vegetable intake, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and alcohol use.

World Cancer Day 2020: Important facts about cancer

1. Tobacco use contributes to a huge number of cancer deaths. It is responsible for approximately 22% of cancer death.
2. Lung, colorectal, stomach, liver and breast cancers are responsible for most cancer deaths each year.
3. Cancer is a result of abnormal growth of cells, this growth can be a contribution of both external factors and inherited genetic factors.
4. According to WHO one in six deaths is due to cancer. Approximately 70% of deaths from cancer occur in low- and middle-income countries. Only 1 in 5 low- and middle-income countries have the necessary data to drive cancer policy.