Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift calls on the Warwick community to unite for a cancer free future.

Next Thursday is World Cancer Day - a global initiative inviting people from across the world to unite in the fight against cancer.

Organised by the Union for International Cancer Council (UICC), World Cancer Day, held February 4, reinforces the importance of focusing our efforts on reducing the burden of cancer around the world, and locally here in Queensland.

The 2016 theme is 'We Can. I Can' - demonstrating that we all have a role to play in cancer control, even at an individual level.

This year we're inviting Warwick locals to partner with us, join the movement and give hope for a cancer free future.

World Cancer Day is all about encouraging communities to take a positive and proactive approach in the fight against cancer.

This can be done by raising awareness about the disease, educating peers and colleagues, and encouraging action.

We can each play a part - no matter how big or small.

By pledging to host a fundraising event in 2016, joining a Relay For Life team, offering support to a loved one affected by cancer or even making a donation online to Cancer Council - every action counts.

Our aim is to help raise awareness of the actions we can take as a community and as individuals to reduce the burden of cancer on a global scale.

More than 2200 people in South West Queensland are diagnosed with cancer every single year - that's our mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, friends, grandmothers, neighbours and more.

We want to give these people the best possible chance of detecting cancer early, the best treatments available and the best chance of survival.

To do this, we need the help of our local communities.

We all have a role to play in cancer control.

Local funds raised enable Cancer Council to continue investing in life-saving research, education programs and localised support services that directly benefit those affected by cancer.

So what will you pledge to do in 2016? Tell you friends and family - together we can make a difference.

For more information about World Cancer Day, visit www.worldcancerday.org.au, or join the conversation on social media via #WorldCancerDay and #WeCanICan.

More information about Cancer Council Queensland is available via 13 11 20 or cancerqld.org.au.