Every year, World Cancer Day is observed on February 4 across the world to raise awareness among people regarding cancer and the prejudices associated with the condition. The Union of International Cancer Control (UICC) has declared World Cancer Day as a “global uniting initiative." The initiative means that individuals all across the world are urged to band together and battle the disease through detection, early identification, care, and emotional support.
History of the Day
On February 4, 2000, the day was founded during the World Cancer Conference for the New Millennium in Paris, France. Koichiro Matsuura, then-General Director of UNESCO, along with the former French President Jacques Chirac signed the Charter of Paris Against Cancer.
Significance of the Day
The World Cancer Day is aimed to create awareness about the disease. Cancer counts for the world’s second prominent cause of mortality. The purpose of the day is to minimize disease-related sickness and mortality, as well as to stop the injustice of unnecessary suffering inflicted by it.
Theme of the Day
Close the Care Gap is the theme of World Cancer Day 2022-2024. The inaugural year of the ‘Close the Care Gap’ campaign is focused on identifying and recognising global disparities in cancer care.