To mark World Cancer Day on Friday, February 4, the Isle of Man Anti-Cancer Association has arranged for several landmarks to be lit up green.

The Tower of Refuge, Douglas Power Station and Ramsey’s Swing Bridge will be lit up to support the campaign.

Lighting up landmarks in different colours has been a popular way to promote various causes and issues for some years.

For example, they were lit purple in November 2018 for World Prematurity Day.

World Cancer Day was established in 2000 and is led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).

There are about 1,000 members from 172 countries.

In 2020, more than 19 million people worldwide were diagnosed with cancer, and there were almost 10 million cancer deaths.

Today, thanks to research, two in four people in the UK survive their cancer for 10 years or more.

On February 4, the UICC will launch a three-year campaign to highlight problems that prevent many people around the world from accessing life-saving preventative services, diagnostics, treatment and care.

The campaign calls governments and health care providers to take actions adapted to national needs and resources to reduce inequity and improve access to cancer services.

Here in the island, as a result of Sir Jonathan Michael’s independent review of the Isle of Man’s health and social care system, a programme is being introduced to try to deliver on the 26 recommendations set out in the report, some of which relate to cancer treatment.