February 4, 2010–World Cancer Day 2010, led by UICC, its members and with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO), will raise awareness of cancer prevention.

Each year, over 12 million people receive a cancer diagnosis and 7.6 million die of the disease.

The good news is that approximately 40% of cancers are potentially preventable. We invite you to join us in marking World Cancer Day on 4 February by understanding and being aware and spreading the message that cancer can be prevented too.

On February 4th, , UICC will launch the campaign “Cancer can be prevented too”, focussing on how the risk of developing cancer can significantly be reduced through simple measures:

Stop tobacco use and avoid exposure to second-hand smoke

Limit alcohol consumption

Avoid excessive sun exposure

Maintain a healthy weight, through eating healthily and exercising regularly

Protect against cancer-causing infections like HPV the virus that is known to cause Cervical Cancer

Being aware, and understanding the risk factors for all Cancers is vitally important to your overall health.  “There is a universal fear of cancer. But with the right frame of mind and by taking appropriate action, some cancers can be averted or cured,” informs Dr. Shin Young-Soo, WHO regional director of for the Western Pacific.