Theme of World Cancer Day 2012: Together it is Possible

(February 03, 2012) World Cancer Day 2012 is being marked around the globe on Saturday in an effort to unite the world in the fight against the disease through raising awareness, educating the public, and lobbying for change. The theme of this year’s observance is “Together it is possible.” Each year on 4 February, the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) joins the International Union Against Cancer to promote ways to ease the global burden of cancer, which is considered one of the major causes of death across the world. According to the WHO, 7.6 million (13%) of the total death of 58 million around the world in 2008 were caused by cancer. Typical types of cancer that contributes to the huge percentage of cancer deaths include the lung, stomach, liver, colon, and breast. About 30% of cancer deaths are due to the five leading behavioural and dietary risks, namely, high body mass index, low fruit and vegetable intake, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, alcohol use. Tobacco use is the most important risk factor for cancer causing 22% of global cancer deaths and 71% of global lung cancer deaths. It is only by every person, organisation, and government, individually doing their part, that the world will be able to reduce the global cancer burden.