GOLDCOAST MARKS WORLD CANCER DAY WITH NIGERIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
World Cancer Day is organized by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and
celebrated each year on 4th of February to rally the international community to end the
injustice of preventable suffering from cancer. The day is observed by the United Nations.
This year’s theme is ‘I Am and I Will’ campaign, according to UICC this shows that our
actions have an impact on everyone around us, within our neighbourhoods, communities and
cities. And that more than ever, our actions are also being felt across borders and oceans.
The Day also targets misinformation, , and reduces stigma. Multiple initiatives are run
on World Cancer Day to show support for those affected by cancer. Each year, more than
900 activities take place in over 100 different countries to mark the day.
Based on research, World Cancer Day originated in 2000 at the first World Summit Against
Cancer, which was held in Paris. The meeting had leaders of government agencies and cancer
organizations from around the world, who signed the Charter of Paris Against Cancer, a
document containing 10 articles that outlined a cooperative global commitment to improving
the quality of life of cancer patients and to the continued investment in and advancement
of cancer research, prevention, and treatment.
According to the UICC, More than 70 percent of deaths from cancer occur in economically
less-developed countries Nigeria inclusive. This has made World Cancer Day and the World
Cancer Campaign to become important mechanisms for drawing attention to cancer prevention
and treatment in these countries.
Importantly, one of the core focuses of Goldcoast Developmental Foundation is health.
This the foundation has been actively engaged by promoting, supporting initiatives and
raising awareness to prevent both communicable and non-communicable disease such as cancer.
It was on this light our foundation joined the Nigerian Medical association Bayelsa State
and oasis public health consulting to mark the 2021 world cancer day. The event begun with
a sensitization road walk from Ekeki park down to Swali market in Yenagoa where the people
were sensitized accordingly on the need for early awareness, prevention and diagnosis.
The entire team of Goldcoast Developmental foundation supports the statement made by UICC
which says; never under estimate the power of corporation and collaborative action to save
lives , speak up, stand up and take action together this world cancer day.