There were a staggering 17 million new cases of cancer reported in 2018, and an estimated 10 million die from the illness annually. And the number is expected to increase.

This is why 4 February is World Cancer Day, a day in which to raise awareness on and promote education about cancer to help save millions of preventable deaths.

I can safely assume that everyone reading this has had someone – a partner, friend, brother, sister, mother, father, neighbour, colleague, or relative – who has or had cancer. And we’ve all lost loved ones to the illness.

Often, people beat cancer. Too many people, however, don’t make it.

Nearly two years ago, my brother passed away after battling a brain tumour for what seemed like an eternity. To honour his life, I will be rowing across the Atlantic Ocean – a 6,000km trip – to raise funds for charity.

The charities* include the Swiss Cancer League. Their centres around Switzerland provide information, advice and moral support to cancer sufferers and their families. It’s amazing what they do, and both patients and their families benefit immensly from their service.

These videos can help you understand how people with cancer view their work:

Long version

Short version

I’ll also be rowing for the Hospice Malta. The Hospice helps people who have friends or relatives who suffer from cancer and other end-of-life illnesses, such as respiratory, renal, liver and cardiac, and make sure the patient is as comfortable as possible.

The World Cancer Day is a call to action for everyone to take action, however small, to make a positive change.

If interested, you can visit my website – www.crossrower.ch – to make donation (a link for a donation to the Swiss Cancer League will soon be available). I strongly encourage you to do so. If not, please go to your preferred charity and give them whatever you can – every little helps.

* The third charity is called Terre des hommes