More than 1.6 million new cancer cases and 585,000 cancer deaths are expected to occur in the United States this year, according to the American Cancer Society. Cancer kills more than 7.6 million people across the world every year. This devastating disease touches the lives of people of all ages, from babies and children to adults 
and seniors.
Feb. 4 is World Cancer Day – a day to inspire hope and encouragement for cancer patients, caregivers and survivors. Ultimately, World Cancer Day strives to raise awareness and funds for this fatal disease through events, campaigns and messages.
Even though mesothelioma is considered a rare cancer, it is still a disease that impacts thousands of lives and has no known cure. It is a cancer caused by asbestos exposure, which often occurs among individuals who are unaware of the exposure or of its health risks. Mesothelioma is also one of the lowest-funded cancers in regards to research, a fact many mesothelioma and asbestos organizations work tirelessly to change.
Participate in World Cancer Day
It’s not too late to get involved in World Cancer Day. Many organizations offer opportunities to get involved with raising cancer awareness and funds. Here are a few:
- American Cancer Society
ACS is an organization dedicated to cancer prevention, research and providing help to cancer patients. You can get involved by donating online, volunteering, sending an E-card and more. - Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization
ADAO gives a voice to individuals affected by asbestos exposure, including those with mesothelioma. This year, ADAO is urging individuals to sign the World Cancer Declaration, which aims to reduce stigma, dispel cancer myths and put more emphasis on cancer prevention and early detection. You can sign the declaration here. - Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation
This national organization funds mesothelioma research projects, helps mesothelioma patients connect with experts and advocates for federal mesothelioma research funding. You can get involved by becoming an advocate, volunteering, or donating to mesothelioma research. - World Cancer Day 2014
There are over 200 events planned for World Cancer Day 2014 with multiple ways to get involved. You can plan your own event and add it to the online map of events and activities, spread the word about World Cancer Day on your social media channels, download and distribute the World Cancer Day Fact sheets, and much more.
Do your part to contribute to World Cancer Day 2014. Learn more about mesothelioma today.
