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Why World Cancer Day Is Important

  • Worldwide, cancer causes 1 in 8 deaths—more than AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria combined.
  • The number of global cancer cases is expected to nearly double by 2030.
  • Research shows that cancer has the most devastating economic impact of any cause of death in the world. In 2008, the total economic impact of cancer worldwide was $895 billion!
  • Less than 3% of global health funding is currently dedicated to preventing and controlling cancer and other non-communicable diseases.

The mission of the American Cancer Society is to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. Because cancer is a global health problem, this mission extends around the world. As a leader in the global cancer control movement, we are addressing the growing global cancer and tobacco burden through a variety of cancer and tobacco control programs globally, with an emphasis regionally on Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. By joining with U.S. partners and global organizations, we aim to make global cancer control a reality and to conquer cancer in this century.

Worldwide, 1 in 8 deaths is due to cancer, which is more than AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria combined. World Cancer Day takes place on February 4 and aims to shine a spotlight on the critical need to get cancer on the United Nation's 2011 global health agenda to help end this disease. In honor of this important day, we are lighting the Empire State Building blue and orange and asking you to submit a message of hope and encouragement to cancer survivors across the globe who are working together to raise awareness and create a world with more birthdays. We will share your messages with the many survivors who will be attending a United Nation’s meeting in May to encourage them to keep up the fight to save lives globally.


Videos

Messages of Hope
from around the World

Raynolda, South Africa

Raynolda Makhutle of South Africa was diagnosed with cervical cancer at age 40. Her husband was unemployed, she had two teenage daughters, and after her hysterectomy she was ostracized by her in-laws and community. Now 52, Raynolda is grateful to know that cancer is not a death sentence: “I’m still alive, and blessed with six grandchildren, including a set of twins. I’m hoping to make a difference in people’s lives.”

Share Your Message of Hope

Use this form to submit your message of hope and encouragement to cancer survivors across the globe, then encourage friends and family to do the same. Help us gather 1,000 messages of hope by the end of February! The more messages we have, the stronger our collective voice will be.

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Messages of Hope

American Cancer Society

Other

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