World Cancer Day is observed on Feb. 4 every year to raise awareness about the disease, which, according to the World Health Organization, is the second leading cause of death globally. Seeking to inform and educate people about prevention, detection and treatment, World Cancer Day activities aim to reduce illness and death caused by cancer.

World Cancer Day is led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), whose goal is “a world where millions of preventable cancer deaths are saved and access to life-saving cancer treatment and care is equal for all - no matter who you are or where you live,” according to its website.

To mark World Cancer Day 2021 this Thursday, here are 18 inspirational quotes for cancer patients and survivors:

  1. “Working out is my way of saying to cancer, 'You're trying to invade my body; you're trying to take me away from my daughters, but I'm stronger than you. And I'm going to hit harder than you.'” – Stuart Scott
  2. “Never be ashamed of a scar. It simply means you were stronger than whatever tried to hurt you.” – Unknown
  3. “Remember how far you've come, not just how far you have to go. You are not where you want to be, but neither are you where you used to be.” – Rick Warren
  4. “I had cancer, cancer never had me.” – Unknown
  5. “I think cancer came into my life as a gift. My vision is sharper, my mind clearer, my perspective realigned. I have succeeded in transforming my passive-aggressive anger and anxiety into more peaceful expressions.” – Manisha Koirala
  6. “Don't look back. You're not going that way.” – Unknown
  7. “Optimist: Someone who figures that taking a step backward after taking a step forward is not a disaster, it's a cha-cha.” – Robert Brault
  8. “Cancer is a word, not a sentence.” – Macmillan Cancer Relief, Fiona Castle
  9. “There's no one way to tell how our experiences change us or shape us. Not all transformations are visible. What I've learnt is to never let it hold me back. I'd rather dress up and show up!” – Sonali Bendre
  10. “Your life is your story. Write well. Edit Often.” – Susan Statham
  11. “When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this: You haven't.” – Thomas Edison
  12. “You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live.” – Stuart Scott
  13. “The first step to fight cancer is to be happy. I feel when it comes to fighting cancer, 50% cure can be attributed to medication and another 50% to will power.” – Anurag Basu
  14. “Broken crayons still color.”
  15. “Cricket is my life. Before the cancer, I was happy-go-lucky. I used to think about my career and worry about the future. But post it, my thinking has completely changed. I'm happy to eat and breathe normally. I'm happy to have my life back.” – Yuvraj Singh
  16. “Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.” – Oprah Winfrey
  17. “Cancer opens many doors. One of the most important is your heart.” – Greg Anderson
  18. “Never give up. Never give in.”
Cancer Awareness
Members of Lebanon's Ladies of Harley hold placards as take part in an event organised by Pink Steps Lebanon to raise awareness about breast cancer, Oct. 28, 2018. MAHMOUD ZAYYAT/AFP/Getty Images
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