GE Healthcare has launched a global competition on multiple social media platforms - Twitter, Facebook and Sina Weibo - to raise public awareness about cancer prevention.

Over the next six weeks, GE Healthcare’s “#GetFit” campaign will encourage people to share their own health and fitness activities and what they are doing to help reduce their likelihood of developing cancer, a leading cause of death.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), about 30 per cent of cancers are preventable through a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise.

With the goal to spread a positive message across the world, for the second year #GetFit challenges participants to share their ways of staying healthy and getting fit. The campaign uses the power of collective wisdom propelled by social media networks to encourage healthier lifestyles.

“Prevention and active participation in our own better health are the first steps in improving health outcomes,” said John Dineen, president and CEO, GE Healthcare.

“Leveraging the power of gaming and social networks to encourage lifestyles that can help prevent cancer isn’t just a good idea – it’s part of our original healthymagination commitment to bring actionable health content to consumers and our employees.”

Dineen continued, “At GE Healthcare, we also believe that our fight against cancer requires an ongoing investment in innovation. That is why we made a commitment of $1 billion in dedicated cancer-related research and development.”

“With even faster and more effective technologies, we can enable clinicians with the powerful tools they need to accurately diagnose and treat million patients.”

By tracking progress against specific health challenges or by posting comments about healthier lifestyles, individuals and teams in countries throughout the world will compete against one another while accumulating “healthy” points and badges. #GetFit ambassadors – real, inspiring people who have committed to healthy living and/or individuals who have made strides in the fight against cancer – will cheer players on and share their personal stories.

At the close of the six-week challenge, on September 28, the player and the team with the most points accumulated will be announced as the #GetFit champions. – TradeArabia News Service