World Cancer Day: History, Theme, and Significance
World Cancer Day is observed every year on 4 February across the globe. It aims to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment.
World Cancer Day is led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to support the goals of the World Cancer Declaration, written in 2008. The primary goal of World Cancer Day is to significantly reduce illness and death caused by cancer. The day is also observed by the United Nations. On World cancer day, UN agency chief urges greater access to diagnosis, prevention, and treatment services. In addition to the observance of World Cancer Day, there are other days that are thematic and relevant to the day. World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day is observed on 30 January. World Patient Safety Day is observed on 17 September. World Leprosy Day is observed last Sunday of January
Theme of World Cancer Day 2023
World Cancer Day aims to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment.
This year’s theme for World Cancer Day is “Close the Care Gap” The theme aims to raise awareness about the vast difference in cancer care and prevention that people from different sections of society can avail. People with low income, lack of educational qualifications, and disabilities face considerable barriers in availing care for cancer.
Quick facts about Cancer among children
Here are quick facts about cancer among Children:
- Each year, an estimated 400 000 children and adolescents of 0-19 years old develop cancer.
- Nearly 9 in 10 of these children live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where treatment is often unavailable or unaffordable.
- The most common types of childhood cancers include leukemias, brain cancers, lymphomas, and solid tumors, such as neuroblastoma and Wilms tumors.
- In high-income countries, where comprehensive services are generally accessible, more than 80% of children with cancer are cured. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), less than 30% are cured.
How is the day celebrated?
While observing the day, communities and organizations every year organize several activities and events to remind people of their role in reducing the global impact of cancer. However, due to the pandemic, this event has gone virtual, and people are celebrating it online.
History of World Cancer Day
World Cancer Day was initiated in the year 2000 when the Union came up with a positive movement to unite everyone to face one of the greatest challenges in history. The day was born on 4 February at the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium in Paris. The UICC aimed to promote research, raise awareness, improve patient services, prevent cancer, and mobilize the global community to make progress in its campaign.
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