World Cancer Day, organized annually on February 4 by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), focuses on individual commitments to combatting cancer and shares personal stories of those affected. From 2019 to 2021, the theme “I am and I will” has guided these efforts. Aiming to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by one-third, World Cancer Day aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG-3.4). The ultimate goal is to promote mental health, well-being, and prevent unnecessary suffering from treatable conditions like cancer.
Understanding Cancer
Defined broadly, cancer refers to a group of diseases characterized by abnormal cell growth that extends beyond typical boundaries which can then invade adjacent parts of the body or spread to other organs. Other terms for cancer include malignant tumors and neoplasms, both of which relate to the disease’s invasive nature. As of now, cancer ranks as the second leading cause of death worldwide, with an estimated 9.6 million deaths reported in 2018 alone.
The Role of UICC
The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) is a multi-member organization committed to accelerating the global fight against cancer. Founded in 1933 and based in Geneva, UICC is at the forefront of international efforts to reduce the impact and prevalence of cancer worldwide.
The Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases in India
Recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that nearly 61% of all deaths in India are now attributable to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Chief among these are cardiovascular diseases — coronary heart disease, stroke, and hypertension — which contribute to 45% of all NCD-related deaths. Chronic respiratory disease, cancer, and diabetes follow closely behind, accounting for 22%, 12%, and 3% of NCD deaths respectively.
| Disease | Percentage of NCD Deaths |
|---|---|
| Cardiovascular diseases | 45% |
| Chronic respiratory disease | 22% |
| Cancer | 12% |
| Diabetes | 3% |
Risk Factors and the Increasing Burden of NCDs
Non-communicable diseases are both a major cause and consequence of poverty in India. Although the percentage of NCD-related deaths remains lower in India than in many other countries, the pace at which this figure is increasing is alarming. Lifestyle changes and environmental factors like pollution contribute significantly to this rapid growth. Key risk factors include tobacco use, an unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and harmful alcohol consumption. Major metabolic risk factors also present a concern, notably obesity and raised levels of blood pressure, blood glucose, and blood cholesterol.
