Today is World Cancer Day. A day to think about all those whose lives have been affected by cancer, those living with cancer, those who have lost precious loved ones, and to remember those who are no longer with us.
Created in 2000, World Cancer Day takes place every 4th of February. It is a global initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). It aims to raise worldwide awareness of cancer, improve education, and act as a driver for personal, collective and government action.
World Cancer Day unites countries in one singular campaign to fight against the global cancer epidemic. It aims to create a world where millions of preventable cancer deaths are saved. And access to life-saving cancer treatment and care is equal for all – no matter who you are or where you live.
This year’s theme for World Cancer Day is ‘I Am and I Will’ and it is all about individuals and their commitment to act. Through positive collective action, the campaign emphasises that we can reach the target of reducing the number of premature deaths from cancer and non-communicable diseases by one third by 2030.
In recognition of COVID-19 challenges, World Cancer Day 2021 is dedicated to the courage and achievements of people living with cancer and their families, nurses, doctors, healthcare workers, and researchers, volunteers, charities, and support groups.
Cancer in numbers
Cancer is a global challenge. Cancer Research UK reports that in 2018, 18 million people worldwide were diagnosed with cancer. According to the World Health Organization, cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for approximately 9.6 million deaths, or one in six deaths, in 2018.
Mary Smith, Associate Legal Director from our Bristol office, says:
“Many of us have been touched by cancer in some way. Cancer Research statistics suggest that every two minutes, someone is diagnosed with cancer in the UK. Each of us can probably name a family member, friend, or colleague who has experienced cancer.
“That is why awareness-raising days like these are so important, to engage people from nations around the world to ensure that together, we can all make a difference.
“The good news is that today, thanks to research, two in four people in the UK survive their cancer for 10 years or more[i]. Major advances in tackling cancer are being made all the time. International collaboration and investment in research are vital to ensure there are many more giant steps towards cancer prevention and treatment, and hopefully, a cure one day.”
Novum Law helps and supports many people whose lives have been affected by cancer. Whether they have been diagnosed with asbestos-related mesothelioma or lung cancer, or have suffered a cancer misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis or delays to their treatment.
We have developed a short video with some messages of hope as we reflect on how cancer touches all our lives.
[i] https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/get-involved/donate/world-cancer-day-2021
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