PEOPLE in Dorset are being urged to show support on World Cancer Day for everyone affected by the disease.

Cancer Research UK is calling on the public to donate or wear one of the charity’s Unity Bands with pride on Thursday, February 4.

Every year, around 35,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in the South West.

The charity said that wearing a Unity Band was a way of showing solidarity with those affected. Available in three different colours – pink, navy and blue – it can be worn in memory of a loved one, to celebrate people who’ve overcome cancer or in support of those going through treatment.

Marked on February 4, World Cancer Day is an international initiative, uniting people across the globe to raise awareness and take action.

By making a donation or getting a Unity Band via cruk.org/worldcancerday, people in the South West can help to get life-saving research back on track following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jenny Makin, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the South West, said: “One in two people will get cancer in their lifetime, which is why we’re absolutely determined to continue to create better cancer treatments for tomorrow.

“World Cancer Day is a great opportunity for people in Dorset to unite and show solidarity with everyone whose life has been touched by the disease.

“Our research has played a role in developing 8 of the world’s top 10 cancer drugs and we’re working every day to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease. But we can’t do it alone.

“That’s why we hope people across the region will donate or wear a Unity Band with pride, knowing they are helping to save lives. Together we will beat cancer.”

Before the pandemic, Cancer Research UK was able to spend over £2m in the South West last year on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research.

To donate or get a Unity Band visit cruk.org/worldcancerday.