Alec Stone
Alec Stone MA, MPA, ONS Public Affairs Director

On February 4, 2018, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) annual World Cancer Day will aim to raise cancer awareness and support in a unified, global effort. The CDC’s efforts focus on cancer research and prevention, as well as improving services to patients with cancer, understanding and sharing common sentiments related to cancer, and mobilizing the global community against the disease.

Led by the CDC’s Cancer Division, the international effort has been gaining momentum around the world since 2000. ONS continues to support the cause and promote awareness of oncology nursing efforts, recognizing the importance of cancer prevention, risk factors, and access to quality cancer care.

The CDC shared current worldwide statistics and its goals for the day:

  • Currently, 8.8 million people die from cancer worldwide every year, out of which, 4 million people die prematurely (aged 30 to 69 years).
  • World Cancer Day is the ideal opportunity to spread the word and raise the profile of cancer in people’s minds and in the world’s media.

Although World Cancer Day is designated for February 4, cancer education is a year-round goal.