World Cancer Day is an international awareness day that takes place on 4 February annually. Created in 2000, World Cancer Day has grown into a positive movement for everyone, everywhere to unite under one voice to face one of our greatest challenges in history.
Despite the growing number of individuals and families affected by this disease, there are still some statistics that should be highlighted as we move forward in the fight against cancer.
Up to 10% of cancers are related to genetic mutation. Whereas, 27% of cancer deaths are from tobacco and alcohol use.
Up to 3.7 million lives – the equivalent number of girl guides and girl scouts in the United States, Canada and Mexico combined – could be saved each year by implementing prevention, early detection and treatment strategies.
9.6 million people die from cancer each year. That’s the equivalent population to all of Belarus. Or the whole of Hainan province. Or all of the city of Jakarta.
If all 48.3 million people who are alive within 5 years of a cancer diagnosis were to hold hands to form a human chain, they would circle the earth at least one time – and then some.
If USD11 billion – approximately Netflix’s annual revenue – is invested in cancer prevention in low- to middle-income countries, this could save up to 100USD billion in cancer treatment costs.
The total annual economic cost of cancer is estimated at US$1.16 trillion. That’s around the total GDPs of Ireland, Norway and Singapore combined.
The vaccination of girls in the developed world against the human papillomavirus over the past decade will help to avert over 300,000 cancer cases.
Smoke-free workplaces reduces our exposure to second-hand smoke by 80-90%.
70% of cancer deaths occur in low- and middle- income countries. What’s more, 90% of low- to middle-income country cancer patients lack access to radiotherapy – one of the major methods of treating cancer.
Whoever you are, you can make a personal commitment to reduce your risks and champion healthy choices for all.