Today marks World Cancer Day, observed globally each year on February 4 to raise awareness about cancer and support those affected. The day was first established in 2000 after the World Summit Against Cancer in Paris, France.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In Bangladesh, the Global Cancer Observatory reported that in 2022, 116,598 people died from cancer, while 167,256 new cases were diagnosed. Globally, cancer claims 8.2 million lives annually, with 105 million women affected by breast cancer.
Fortunately, 30–50% of cancer deaths can be prevented through lifestyle changes such as avoiding tobacco use. World Cancer Day emphasizes prevention, early detection, and care, calling everyone to join the fight against this deadly disease.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
