Cancer Council ACT is encouraging the ACT and regional community to think about how they can work together to create a cancer free future on World Cancer Day today.
Thursday 4 February is World Cancer Day; and 2021 has the theme ‘I Am and I Will’.
Cancer Council ACT CEO, Sandra Turner, says the day is the perfect opportunity for people to think about what they can do for themselves and for others.
“It’s really an individual opportunity for people to do something to work towards a cancer free future. It’s making a commitment as an individual or a group to help the world become cancer free in the future,” she said.
“There’s a lot of things people can do to work towards a healthier, brighter, cancer free future, but it’s also a reminder to look after yourself.”
According to worldcancerday.org, the three-year campaign was created to resonate, inspire change, and mobilise action after the day has passed by, building global awareness and impact-driven action.
Cancer Council ACT will be marking the day via their digital channels this year.
“We planned a big event, but we had to pull it due to the risks of COVID,” said Ms Turner.
“We’ve had a wonderful video made encouraging people to get on board and look at what they can do to stamp out cancer. This morning we have a montage and some of our researchers will be talking.”
Ms Turner said this year is more important than ever for everyone to ensure collectively that we can reduce the incidence and impact of cancer in the future.
“The last year has seen everyone more concerned than ever about their health and wellbeing and the COVID-19 pandemic has caused hesitation in many people who would normally go to their doctor about specific health concerns or for regular check-ups,” Ms Turner said.
“On World Cancer Day, we see a mix of commitment, from individuals making that long-delayed doctor’s appointment to local researchers reaffirming their passion to ease the burden of cancer, to people raising funds to assist Cancer Council to continue to provide information, support and prevention education to the community,” she said.
“The question we want to ask is what are you going to do? Whether it’s something for your own health or for someone else.”
