We are one week away from World Cancer Day 2021 on February 4. Led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), World Cancer Day is a global initiative that aims to inspire greater awareness of cancer and action in better preventing, detecting and treating the disease.
Recognising the unique challenges the world has confronted with COVID 19, World Cancer Day 2021 will be dedicated to the courage and achievements of people living with cancer and their families, as well as the nurses, doctors, researchers, volunteers, advocates and others who care for them and work on their behalf. On February 4, UICC will highlight their stories, their battles and their successes, and shine the light on the innovative responses of cancer organisations around the world to the pandemic as they struggle to maintain progress in cancer care. Indeed, an analysis in The Lancet Oncology of a survey that UICC conducted with member organisations shows that many are facing significant sustainability issues.
World Cancer Day 2021 will be led by the theme ‘I Am and I Will’ for the third and final year, an empowering call for personal commitment to reduce the growing impact of cancer that encapsulates the spirit shown by everyone in the cancer community as they face the challenge of COVID 19.
This year follows on from the success of last year’s campaign, which saw nearly 1,000 activities taking place in 113 countries, including 85 monuments in 52 cities lit in the colours of World Cancer Day, some 15,000 press articles published in 150 countries, over 720,000 social media mentions, more than 500,000 visitors to the website downloading over 120,000 materials, and 65 governments participating in 2020.
In the same spirit, UICC is pleased to announce a new initiative to raise much needed funds for the global fight against cancer. UICC has teamed up with the international sports marketing agency ORSEN SA and ZWIFT, a provider of a virtual cycling platform, to create one of the biggest virtual cycling events, the World Cancer Day Solidarity Challenge.
What to expect on World Cancer Day 2021:
Testimonies from nurses, doctors, researchers, volunteers, advocates and the private sector relating their experiences this past year and how they have adapted to challenges and innovated during the pandemic to continue providing care, supporting patients, delivering medicines and other services.
A call for renewed action to improve cancer awareness, practice cancer prevention, support innovations in diagnostics and treatment, and address inequities and weaknesses in health systems exposed by COVID 19.
Opportunities for interviews with global cancer leaders from UICC as well as cancer organisations in the US, the UK, Australia, India, Kenya, Nigeria, Malaysia and South Africa.
Global press materials available to download here: www.worldcancerday.org/press media
Social media graphics and video.
Hundreds of activities taking place around the world to generate support for the global fight against cancer.
Global landmarks around the world including in Australia, Brunei, Japan, Singapore and Turkey will illuminate with World Cancer Day colours, orange and blue.