The World Cancer Day was launched by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to draw attention to the disease itself, but also to cancer screening and prevention. Interestingly, according to the German Cancer Aid, 40% of cases could be prevented by a healthy diet. It is understandable that nutrition alone is not a patent solution against cancer – but for most people it offers a good starting point for taking preventive action.
The most common forms of cancer include lung, colon and skin cancer, as well as breast and prostate cancer. Normally, there are numerous campaigns by the various cancer aid organisations to draw attention to the topic of cancer – this year, these campaigns have to take place virtually. The motto of the German Cancer Aid for World Cancer Day 2021 is "I am and I will be". From 2019 to 2021, the campaign will run under this title to raise awareness about cancer: With a sign, inscribed with this lettering, each individual should draw attention to what they personally want to do against cancer. With the hashtag #WorldCancerDay, all contributions on the topic can be found bundled in the social media.
The Swiss Cancer League is also participating virtually: With #moveforhealth and #sportagainstcancer, it wants to draw attention to the fact that sport can also prevent cancer or (in the case of an illness) at least reduce the side effects. She calls on all interested people to take part in the campaign.
The Austrian Federal Office for Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection already initiated an innovation for young cancer patients last year: The new "Survivorship Passport" is to contain all important information on previous illnesses and also an assessment of the risk of late effects. On the one hand, this is intended to facilitate care and aftercare, and on the other hand, it is also intended to facilitate the transition in the health system to the adult sector.
The World Cancer Day makes an important contribution to raising awareness about the disease and taking preventive action. Find out here what progress cancer research has made recently and what actions the various organisations are taking.
