Below are our special days of emphasis,
i. World Cancer Day (February 4)
World Cancer Day (February 4 every year) is set aside by the United Nations/World Health Organization to raise awareness about cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment. World Cancer Day is an opportunity for nations to collectively examine cancer control strategies and to identify winning formulas that will accelerate progress. The goal for all of us is to ensure that fewer people develop cancer, more people are successfully treated and that there is a better quality of life for people during treatment and beyond.
ii. National Pink Day (October 18)
Every year, October 18 is designated as National Pink Day (NPD). It is a day to encouragepeople from all walks of life, including diasporans, to join the BIG WAR as advocates, donors and volunteers in the fight for better health for Nigerians, with emphasis on cancer. The day is observed by adding a touch of pink to one’s dressing, décor, website, social media, etc.
The NPD (October 18) is a day to remind all Nigerians to take an active role in ensuring that they remain in excellent health (the pink of health), by going for regular health screening, and supporting initiatives aimed at improving the health of society at large.
THE WEEK OF EMPHASIS
The National Cancer Week (NCW) is celebrated annually by mmm/NCPP. It is the first full week in June. It is also known as the Week of the Divine Compassion (WDC). It commences on the first Sunday in June (International Cancer Survivors’ Day) and ends on the second Sunday in June (inclusive). This advocacy week is held in partnership with local and international organizations and stakeholders.
THE MONTH OF EMPHASIS
October International Cancer Awareness Month
October is an International Cancer Awareness Month (ICAM), with special emphasis on breast cancer, the commonest cancer globally. The ICAM is an annual international campaign against the cancer pandemic. The symbolic colour for the month of October is pink.