People urged to join forces for world cancer day

Cancer Research UK

People are being asked to unite on World Cancer Day, Saturday 4 February, to help beat cancer.

Cancer Research UK is calling on men, women and children to play their part by wearing a unity band or donating. Money raised will help fund life-saving research and help bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

World Cancer Day unity bands are made of two parts, knotted together, to symbolise strength in unity and the power of what can be achieved when people join forces.

The bands come in three different colours – pink, navy and cyan - and are available online at:

www.cruk.org.uk/worldcancerday

The bands can alos be obtained from over 40 locations in Greater Manchester, including Cancer Research UK Shops, branches of The Works, mydentist, and Rowlands Pharmacy for a suggested donation of £2.

There will also be a street collection at Manchester Piccadilly Train Station on Friday 3 February and near The Printworks on Saturday 4 February.

Alison Barbuti, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Greater Manchester, said: “World Cancer Day provides an opportunity for people in Greater Manchester, as well as across the world, to show that together we can be a powerful force to help beat cancer sooner.

“So many of us know someone affected by cancer, and wearing a unity band or donating is a simple and easy way to show your support.

“Whatever you motivation – to remember a loved one, celebrate people who have overcome the disease, or to rally in support of those going through treatment - World Cancer Day is a chance to get involved and help more people survive this disease.

“One in two people will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetime and every year 40,800 people are diagnosed with cancer in the North West.

“Survival has doubled since the early 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress, but every step our doctors, nurses and scientists take relies on donations from the public and the tireless fundraising of our supporters.

“We hope everyone joins us on World Cancer Day by wearing a unity band and pledging support so we can beat cancer sooner.”