Today is World Cancer Day


World Cancer Day

My husband and our family continue our fight against colon cancer 6 months away from being officially ‘in remission. In our minds and in the course of our daily lives, we have already beat this horrible disease, that does not mean it is ever far from our thoughts. It colors everything in our lives — not to say that’s a completely bad thing either. It has brought us much appreciated perspective. It has given us the opportunity to meet new people who have enriched our lives. It has set priorities for us and made us realize how lucky we really are. It almost seems like what happened was a very bad dream that we are just waking up from.

Cancer has claimed so many wonderful, precious people. Moms, Dads, Sisters, Brothers — people taken way too early. Kids and adults — it doesn’t discriminate.

We need to do our part to stop the spread and increase in cancer rate. And there is a lot we can do for ourselves and our families. Yes –  it takes effort, time and patience — but the alternative sucks. Trust me —

February 4 Heralds an Historic Year in Cancer Control Amid a Rising Global Cancer Burden

Cancer is the leading cause of death around the world and kills more people than AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis combined. (WHO, 2007)The global burden is rising and, without action, the poorest countries will witness the largest increase in deaths.
Each year on February 4, the American Cancer Society supports the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) by promoting ways to ease the global cancer burden, with prevention as the perennial theme.

To mark the occasion on February 4, the Empire State Building will glow orange and blue – the colors of World Cancer Day – for the first time. The American Cancer Society chose the New York City landmark to herald an unprecedented global meeting on cancer and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The United Nations Summit on NCDs will assemble on September 19-20 to address the collective threat posed by cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases. Together, these illnesses account for 35 million deaths every year, with 80% of cases occurring in low- and middle-income countries.