The month of February brings more than just Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day, and President’s Day. The shortest month in the year also includes a day that lacks public recognition, World Cancer Day, which is celebrated annually worldwide on February 4th..     
According to the World Cancer Day (WCD) website, the day aims to “save millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and education about the disease, pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action.”
The website has an infographic that shows how cancer and mortality are intertwined from 2008 to 2025, increasing by each year.
According to the Cancer Treatment & Survivorship Facts & Figures 2016-2017 study conducted by the American Cancer Society’s, cancer affects many people with approximately 15.5 million Americans being cancer survivors.
The study shows that there cancers like prostate cancer for men and breast cancer for women have higher number of survivors.
However, there are cancers that are less talked about outside of the medical field. Bone cancer, eye cancer, and hairy cell leukemia are less known but there are still patients being diagnosed with this them yearly.
“No, but it is not surprising that there are many forms of cancer,” José Sánchez (junior, Psychology) said when asked if he knew that there was an eye cancer.
The  Student Health Center at California State University, Stanislaus (Stan State), provides information and exams for students with questions.
Some students may be under the impression that they are too young to be affected by cancer, but Registered Nurse, Laura Roberts, believes students should have annual physicals since there are some cancers that could affect people at a young age.
“Receiving an annual physical exam would better help the person receive information on cancer prevention,” Roberts said.
Stan State students who may have questions about cancer and cancer prevention can visit the the Health Center or call at (209) 667-3396.