February 4 — World Cancer Day

February 4, 2013, (Monday) is World Cancer Day.

Around the world, on this day, people and organisations have events and activities that help raise awareness on cancer and how to prevent, detect or treat it.

Cancer is a leading cause of death and a public health problem worldwide. WHO estimates that 84 million people will die of cancer between 2005 and 2015 without intervention; 12.5% of all deaths are caused by cancer, that’s more than the percentage of deaths caused by HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria put together.Every year 160,000 children are diagnosed with cancer, and it is estimated that 90,000 will eventually die of cancer.

This year, World Cancer Day 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?’

At Mumbai Smiles, we do our bit in this fight against cancer through our project, HOPE: Care for Children with Cancer, a programme for underprivileged children, that not only provides patients and their families with financial assistance, but also with other kinds of psycho-social support.

On World Cancer Day, February 4, we reiterate our pledge to fight cancer and support children and families coping with cancer.

As part of this, we will be organising a special talk at Holy Spirit Hospital, our counterpart in the cancer care programme, in Andheri (E). This talk for families who have children cancer patients, aims to motivate them and give them the spiritual and emotional support to help them cope with this difficult disease that not only has medical implications but also social, economic and emotional consequences.

From today till Monday, will also be sharing articles, information, engaging in discussions and activities, so do join us and do your bit.

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