As World Cancer Day is marked on 4th February, it’s a clear reminder that we should be thinking more deeply about our health.

With global statistics totalling 14.1 million new cases of the disease in 2012, and the figure projected to rise 37 percent by 2025, the global event aims to make people aware of the disease before it’s too late.

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2014 report revealed that cancer is the third leading cause of death in the UAE, after cardiovascular disease and injury.

High usage of tobacco in the country, as well as increasing obesity figures, can also contribute to cancer incidence.

Statistics from Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD) revealed that men were the most prevalent sufferers of the disease, with the top five cancers in both sexes outlined as lung, blood, breast, colon and liver.

Across the country, a number of initiatives have been established to step up the fight against the disease, with many institutions taking part in crucial research.

Studies at the American University of Sharjah aim to diminish the debilitating effects of chemotherapy, while scientists at UAE University in Al Ain have experimented with saffron to halt the spread of the disease.

Campaigns such as Shanab have successfully raised awareness of symptoms of the disease and the importance of self-checking.

Rahma, the Cancer Patient Care Society, was set up in September as a resource for cancer sufferers, including bilingual telephone hotlines to offer advice and support.

For more information and support groups, visit: haad.ae/simplycheck