World Cancer Day being observed World Cancer Day is being observed in the country as elsewhere across the globe with three-year theme (2016-18) "We can, I can" to raise the awareness about fact that early detection and treatment could lead to cure.

The theme is meant to 'explore how everyone – as a collective or as individuals – can do their part to reduce the global burden of cancer'.

World Cancer Day is a chance to reflect on what you can do, make a pledge and take action. Whatever you choose to do ‘We can. I can.’ make a difference to the fight against cancer, stated the website worldcancerday.org.

In Bangladesh, various organisations, including Bangladesh Cancer Society, have chalked out elaborate programmes to mark the day.

Marking the day, the National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital will also organise a daylong programme. Health Minister Mohammed Nasim is scheduled to inaugurate the programme.

Apart from this, a discussion is set to be held at the hospital in the afternoon. The Health Minister will grace the programme as the chief guest.

The day unites the world’s population in the fight against cancer.

It aims to save millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and education about the disease, pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action.

 "Just as cancer affects everyone in different ways, all people have the power to take various actions to reduce the impact that cancer has on individuals, families and communities”, the worldcancerday.org added.

Currently, 8.2 million people die from cancer worldwide every year, out of which, 4 million people die prematurely (aged 30 to 69 years)

World Cancer Day is the ideal opportunity to spread the word and raise the profile of cancer in people’s minds and in the world’s media.

UNB