World Cancer Day 2013 (4 February 2013) will focus on Target 5 of the World Cancer Declaration: Dispel damaging myths and misconceptions about cancer, under the tagline “Cancer – Did you know?”.
World Cancer Day is a chance to raise our collective voices in the name of improving general knowledge around cancer and dismissing misconceptions about the disease. From a global level, we will be focusing our messaging on the four myths below. In addition to being in-line with our global advocacy goals, we believe these overarching myths leave a lot of flexibility for members, partners and supporters to adapt and expand on for their own needs.
Myth 1: Cancer is just a health issue
Cancer is not just a health issue. It has wide-reaching social, economic, development, and human rights implications.
Myth 2: Cancer is a disease of the wealthy, elderly and developed countriesTruth
Cancer does not discriminate. It is a global epidemic, affecting all ages, with low- and middle-income countries bearing a disproportionate burden.
Myth 3: Cancer is a death sentenceTruth
Many cancers that were once considered a death sentence can now be cured and for many more people their cancer can now be treated effectively.
Myth 4: Cancer is my fate
With the right strategies, more than one in every three cancers can be prevented.
World Cancer Day Events
World Cancer Day Factsheets, available in English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Arabic.