World Cancer Day: Youth Role in Prevention
World Cancer Day takes place every year on 4 February so that the world can come together to raise the profile of cancer in a positive and inspiring way.
‘We can. I can.’, is the World Cancer Day theme for 2016-2018. Cancer affects everyone in different ways; therefore this theme will focus on everyone—as a group or as individuals – and what they can do to reduce the global burden of cancer. World Cancer Day is an opportunity to think about what you can do to help, and to make a pledge to take action.
As important as it is to support those with cancer and those with loved ones suffering from cancer, it is equally important to promote prevention! We must remind everyone, especially the youth, of ways to prevent cancer from happening in the first place if we want to see a cancer-free future.
In 2017 alone, approximately 8 million people have died of cancer, and if nothing is done, the number of deaths will increase to 13.2 million per year by 2030. There is a crucial necessity for action to raise awareness of the disease and to lessen the encumbrance of cancer.
Youth against Cancer Project
The Preventive Healthcare Initiative (PHI) is a non- profit, non–governmental organization in Nigeria established to improve the health status of women through the combination of health education, research and resource appropriate interventions. They aim to empower women and youth with comprehensive lifesaving and practical health information educating them on wellness strategies to improve their quality of life—such as the prevention and early management of reproductive cancers (breast, cervical and prostate cancer) and giving hope and support to cancer patients and survivors.
The Youth against Cancer Project is focused on raising awareness for preventive measures against cancer for the youth using the healthy lifestyle option. This includes healthy diets, regular exercise and avoidance of alcohol and drugs. This project hopes to prepare youth for a cancer free future.
Young Lives Matter – Fight Cancer Namibia
The Cancer Association of Namibia has adopted a youth-focused angle to their World Cancer Day campaign: “Young Lives Matter – Fight Cancer Namibia”.
Under the “We can. I can.” theme, The Cancer Association of Namibia is focusing exclusively on youth. Partnering with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health and Social Services and the Office of the First Lady, they hope to address important topics within youth lifestyle choices— sexual behavior, HPV and HIV and its influence on cancer, diet, fitness, tobacco and alcohol use and UV radiation exposure.
The campaign will be conducted through school outreaches, radio and television discussions and social media and printed promotions.
These organizations and many more are raising their voices for healthy lifestyle habits in order to end the burden of cancer. Be sure to find ways this World Cancer Day to do your part in ending cancer for good!