Every year on February 4th, the world observes World Cancer Day as a way to raise awareness of cancer throughout the world. The first World Summit Against Cancer was convened in Paris in 2000, and that is when World Cancer Day was first observed. The Charter of Paris Against Cancer, which contained ten articles outlining a cooperative global commitment to improving the quality of life for cancer patients and to continuing investment in and advancement of cancer research, prevention, and treatment, was signed by leaders of government agencies and cancer organizations from around the world at this meeting. By increasing public awareness of the disease and encouraging people and governments worldwide to take action against it, World Cancer Day seeks to avert millions of deaths from the disease each year.

It is now crucial to raise awareness of cancer in the 21^st century. Even though there have been many developments in cancer research, diagnosis, and treatment—aspects that ought to lead to a decrease in the disease—the number of new cancer cases reported annually worldwide has kept rising. In 2000 saw 10 million; 2008 saw 12.4 million; and in 2012 saw 14.1 million. Globally, the number of cancer-related deaths per year has also continued to climb, from 8.2 million in 2012 to 10.0 million in 2020, and this number has continued to increase. The World Health Organization (WHO) projects that by 2040, there will be more than 16.3 million cancer-related deaths globally if the incidence of the disease keeps rising at the current rate. Nevertheless, the WHO also states that up to 40% of cancer-related deaths are preventable. Because of this, increasing public awareness of cancer prevention has grown to be a top priority for many international cancer and health organizations, and World Cancer Day has come to symbolize an annual reminder of the significance of this objective.

The International Union Against Cancer (UICC), an organization dedicated to increasing global cancer awareness, coordinates World Cancer Day and is supported in this effort by WHO and other international organizations. World Cancer Day serves as a formal launching point for the declaration of new themes and the release of new publications for the UICC’s World Cancer Campaign, which functions throughout the year and strives to raise cancer awareness by forming partnerships with health and cancer institutions and by proposing educational activities and creating public service announcements.

With approximately one in six deaths worldwide, cancer ranks as the second most common cause of death worldwide. The majority of cancer cases in less developed countries in the WHO’s regions are diagnosed at a late stage where treatments are less effective, which results in poorer outcomes for patients. Because over 70% of cancer fatalities take place in less developed economies, World Cancer Day and the World Cancer Campaign have grown to be significant platforms for raising awareness of cancer prevention and treatment in these nations. For instance, World Cancer Day 2007 signaled the start of an international partnership aimed at enhancing cancer care resources in Nicaragua, a country with extremely restricted access to cancer treatment facilities. Despite encouraging advancements in a few of the Region’s nations, the prevention and management of cancer in those nations is still in its infancy and lacks clear strategic direction.

It is not just a day on the calendar that is World Cancer Day. Our program aims to motivate change and encourage action even after the day itself. The theme for World Cancer Day 2022-2024 is “Close the Care Gap”. By working together across borders, disciplines, and communities, we can overcome the challenges posed by cancer and strive towards a world where every individual has the opportunity to live a healthy, cancer-free life. On this World Cancer Day and every day, let us stand in solidarity with those affected by cancer, and let our actions speak louder than words in our commitment to eradicating this disease once and for all.

Written by: Rtr. Mahima Yasas

Graphic design by: Rtr. Mahima Yasas