Israel Cancer Association - Annual Report 2024

World Cancer Day of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC)

Ahead of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) World Cancer Day, marked annually around the world on February 4th, the ICA strives to raise awareness of cancer diseases and ways to prevent it. On this day, messages are relayed regarding cancer prevention, reducing risk factors and adopting a healthy lifestyle. According to the ICA's assessment, approximately 31,000 women and men were diagnosed with cancer in Israel in 2023, and about 11,000 women and men died from the disease. According to estimates by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 1 in 5 men and 1 in 6 women worldwide will develop cancer during their lifetime, and 1 in 8 men and 1 in 11 women worldwide will die from the disease. The ICA explains that adopting a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of developing various types of cancer by 50% and emphasizes that early detection can literally save lives through tests performed free of charge at HMOs as part of the health basket, which are important to undergo even during times of uncertain security situations in Israel. Campaign to Raise Awareness of the Importance of Early Breast Cancer Detection Due to the war, part of the planned campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness and Early Detection Month was not launched. Due to concerns that the war would affect compliance with mammography screening, the ICA launched a campaign about the importance of mammography screening and seeking medical consultation at any age and in any situation if one feels a lump or change in the breast. The campaign included several educational videos. Additionally,

the ICA produced a campaign on the importance of testing for BRCA gene mutation carriers. In addition, videos were filmed in Hebrew and Arabic, featuring Dr. Marian Khatib , who explained the importance of early detection screening for breast cancer. ICA Activity for Schools during World Cancer Day In honor of World Cancer Day, the ICA held a nationwide activity for middle and high school students on the topic 'How will I know to choose correctly? The healthy choice – difficulties and challenges in a world of advertising and corporations.' The activity took place throughout the country in collaboration with Eshkolot Pais. Sixteen activity days were held and approximately 2,400 teenagers in grades 8-10 participated and learned about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of cancer and avoid risk factors. The students took an active part in the activities and created various content on the topic of smoking prevention and healthy lifestyle, such as videos and posters. The activity was coordinated by Linoy Kushnir Bar Chen , ICA's Health Promotion Specialist. Breadmaking Workshop for 'Reach to Recovery'® volunteers marking World Cancer Day Bread chef Ronen Weinstein volunteered to conduct a fun bread-baking workshop for women who have recovered from breast cancer and who volunteer to help women who have recently been diagnosed. Their activity is carried out year-round as part of the 'Reach to Recovery'® service operated by the ICA. Chef

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