World Cancer Day

​Kaysia Staggie
Staff Writer
Trigger Warning: mentions of cancer
  February 4th is known as World Cancer Day. On this day, people around the world take charge to spread awareness and educate the public about cancer. There are many organizations, such as the Cancer Research Institute and the Union for International Cancer Control, that take their research around the world to help people understand how they can help cancer patients and how they can help extend the group's research. Many people/critics say it is all for the money, however, it is not; the research and investments spread information throughout the world on treatment, early detection, and give better health tips to prevent cancer. Donations from fundraisers are not only for research, but also for materials to help comfort and give proper care to cancer patients. 
  The first ever cancer day was celebrated in Paris, France and Geneva, Switzerland. Many organizations had adopted the same passion for cancer awareness. The idea spread to have separate ribbons for each variation of cancer, including pink for breast cancer, orange for children with cancer, and purple for pancreatic cancer. There are also different stages of intensity, labeled 1-4, four being the most intense and dangerous. They also spread awareness about the medical bills and emotional trauma that coincides with cancer which can be very overwhelming. Cancer fundraisers can aid patients who are struggling with certain cancer-related problems and take a huge amount of weight off the patient and their loved ones. This day is all about making a difference in others lives and becoming involved in an adequate cause. 
  Money problems are not the only issue that these organizations are trying to eliminate and spread awareness about. There are patients who hit setbacks and do not receive the proper care because of their age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, disablities, religious beliefs, or lifestyle. World Cancer Day is a day to encourage everyone to stop the hate and lend a hand to defeat this devastating disease. There should not be descrimination within the medical field, and every cancer patient should be able to get the correct care they need.
  Support World Cancer Day by donating to fundraisers or volunteering at hospitals, homes, etc. Cancer is hard by itself and can create an abundance of stress; help make it a little easier by donating. Visit https://www.cancer.org/involved/fundraise.html to make donations.