World Cancer Day
| World Cancer Day | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Also called | WCD |
| Observed by | UN Members |
| Observances | Awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention |
| Date | 4 February |
| Next time | 4 February 2017 |
| Frequency | annual |
World Cancer Day is an international day marked on February 4 to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment. World Cancer Day was founded by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to support the goals of the World Cancer Declaration, written in 2008. The primary goal of the World Cancer Day is to significantly reduce illness and death caused by cancer by 2020.[1]
World Cancer Day targets misinformation,[2] raises awareness, and reduces stigma.[3] Multiple initiatives run on World Cancer Day to show support for those affected by cancer. One of these movements is #NoHairSelfie, a global movement to have "hairticipants" shave their heads either physically or virtually to show a symbol of courage for those undergoing cancer treatment.[4] Images of participants are then shared over social media. Local events also take place.
See also
- National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October in the United States)
- National Prostate Health Month (September in the United States)
- World Lymphoma Awareness Day (September 15)
References
- ↑ "World Cancer Day 2013 One-Pager (English)". UICC. Retrieved 2 February 2013.
- ↑ Szabo, Liz (3 February 2013). "World Cancer Day targets myths, spreads message". USA Today. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ↑ Gander, Kashmira (4 February 2016). "World Cancer Day: Why is the disease still a taboo?". The Independent. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ↑ Wheeler, Brad (27 January 2016). "Three international productions, including Scotland's The James Plays, to headline Luminato 2016". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 4 February 2016.