Cancer is a leading cause of death around the world, according to WHO, which estimates that 84 million people will die of cancer between 2005 and 2015 without intervention. Low-income and medium-income countries are harder hit by cancer than the high-resource countries.
Each year on 4 February, WHO supports International Union Against Cancer to promote ways to ease the global burden of cancer. Under the theme: (Cancer- Did You Know?) we endeavor to diminish the death toll caused by non-communicable diseases (including cancer) by 25% in 2025. World Cancer Day 2013 focuses on the necessity of providing the correct health information about cancer in general, as well as the refutation of myths and misconceptions of cancer.
Internationally Approved Date: 4/2/2013
Locally Approved Date: 23/3/1434 H
Theme of the World Cancer Day:
Targeted Categories:
- Cancer patients and their families.
- All segments of society.
- Concerned local associations (Saudi Cancer Society).
- Medical staff (doctors, nurses, specialists, etc.)
Objectives and General Mission of the World Cancer Day:
- Adoption of effective programs for prevention of cancer.
- Diminishing the vulnerability to risk factors causing cancer, such as smoking, obesity, etc.
- Provision of comprehensive immunization programs for all members of society.
- Development of the means of diagnosis.
- Qualification and training of medical staff.
- Conducting medical surveillance to find out the number of cancer patients.
- Refutation of the common misconceptions about cancer, its causes and treatment.
In order for these targets to be attained, the necessary political measures have to be taken. Besides, the means of prevention and early detection, as well as the proper medications, have to be provided adequately, aside from facilitating access to health services for all patients.
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