KATHMANDU: The International Cancer Day is being marked throughout the world with a variety of activities with the slogan "Cancer can be prevented too" on Thursday.

Cancer a leading cause of death around the world is a tumor caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division. It may spread to the other parts of the body as well. However, it can be cured in case of certain precautions like avoiding tobacco and smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding excessive sun exposure, maintaining a healthy weight, healthy diet and regular exercise.

It is reported that there are about 70,000 patients suffering from cancer in Nepal. Most of them are victims of mouth, womb, breast, neck and lung cancer.

To create awareness and to step up the fight against different kinds of cancers, various symbols like a pink ribbon to signify breast cancer awareness and orange ribbon for child cancer awareness have become popular.

The day is observed on February 4 each year.