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Cancer – we’re all way too familiar with this scary word and have all been touched by this awfull disease in one manner or another. But what exactly is it? Can it be prevented? What research and actions are being taken to treat and cure cancer?

Cancer, as defined by theÌý (UICC), is a disease which occurs when changes in a group of normal cells within the body lead to uncontrolled, abnormal growth forming a lump called a tumour; this is true of all cancers except leukaemia (cancer of the blood). If left untreated, tumours can grow and spread into the surrounding normal tissue, or to other parts of the body via the bloodstream and lymphatic systems, and can affect the digestive, nervous and circulatory systems or release hormones that may affect body function.

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• 10 millionÌýpeople die from cancer every year.
• At least one thirdÌýofÌýcommon cancers are preventable.
• Cancer is theÌýsecond-leadingÌýcause of death worldwide.
• 70%Ìýof cancer deaths occur in low-to-middle income countries.
• Millions ofÌýlivesÌýcould be saved each year by implementing resource appropriate strategies for prevention, early detection and treatment.
• The total annual economic cost of cancer is estimated atÌýUS$1.16 trillion.

World Cancer Day was first launched on February 4, 2000 at the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium in Paris – and now takes place on February 4th each year. The purpose behind World Cancer DayÌýis to promote research, prevent cancer, improve patient services, raise awareness and mobilize the global community to make progress against cancer – and thereÌýare a couple ways that you can help do all of those things:

1. Join us in raising awareness on World Cancer Day! The UICC has created a whole library of resources you can use at:ÌýÌýÌý

2. Donate & raise money for nonprofits who are dedicated to cancer research, prevention, patient services, advocacy, and resources for those dealing with cancer. ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ’s Charities is proud of the work our member charities do in these respective areas. One of the most cost-efficient ways you can support these nonprofits is to donate to them via payroll deduction through your employer’s workplace giving program (Don’t have a program? to have your employer contact our team.) Click below on each charity’s name to learn more about their work, and please donate to them through employee giving!

• Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance
• Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
• CureSearch
• Breast Cancer Coalition
• Hope Connections for Cancer Support

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