To raise more awareness about the deadly disease of Cancer, its treatment and to encourage methods of prevention, February 4 is marked as the World Cancer Day. The day was founded by Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) with an aim to reduce the illness and related death by 2020. So World Cancer Declaration was introduced in 2008 by UICC to support and educate people about cancer, raise awareness and reduce the stigma of Cancer, thus trying to deal with misinformation. So far various programs and event had been held across the globe on this day. The non-governmental organisation continues to hold programs to raise awareness about it.
One of the initiatives run on World Cancer Day 2018 to help those with cancer is #NoHairSelfie, which is a global movement that advocates “hairticipants” to shave off their heads as a symbol of courage for those undergoing the treatment. Anyone who desires to show support can either opt to physically shave-off their heads or virtually showcase it and share it on social media. #NoHairSelfie is then shared on social media making him a huge on February 4.
Many campaigns and events are spearheaded by worldcancerday.org on this day to raise awareness on cancer. The organization’s theme or tagline for World Cancer Day 2016-2018 is ‘We can.I can.’ And their website reads, “World Cancer Day 2016-2018 will explore how everyone – as a collective or as individuals – can do their part to reduce the global burden of cancer.”
The website of the organisation claims cancer can affect anyone in several ways, though everyone has the power to take various actions to reduce the impact it has on those suffering from it. It also says, “World Cancer Day 2018 is a chance to reflect on what you can do, make a pledge and take action. Whatever you choose to do ‘We can. I can.’ make a difference to the fight against cancer.”