World Cancer Day is an international day marked on February 4 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[1] and is an opportunity to rally the international community to end the injustice of preventable suffering from cancer.[2] The day is observed by the United Nations.[3]
World Cancer Day
Walk against Cancer in Abuja.jpg
World Cancer Day 2017 in Abuja
Also called
WCD
Observed by
UN Members
Observances
Awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention
Date
5 February
Next time
5 February 2021
Frequency
annual
World Cancer Day targets misinformation,[4] raises awareness, and reduces stigma.[5] Multiple initiatives are run on World Cancer Day to show support for those affected by cancer. One of these movements are #NoHairSelfie, a global movement to have "hairticipants" shave their heads either physically or virtually to show a symbol of courage for those undergoing cancer treatment.[6] Images of participants are then shared all over social media. Hundreds of events around the world also take place[7].
History Edit
World Cancer Day was established on 4 February 2000 at the World Cancer Summit Against Cancer for the New Millenium, which was held in Paris.
The Charter of Paris Against Cancer,[8] which was created to promote research, prevent cancer, improve patient services, also included an article establishing the anniversary of the document's official signing as World Cancer Day, was signed at the Summit by the then General Director of UNESCO, Kōichirō Matsuura, and then French President Jacques Chirac in Paris on 4 February 2000.[9]
World Cancer Day themes Edit
World Cancer Day 2011 in Vienna
The 2019-2021 campaign theme is 'I Am and I Will'. The theme seeks to counter the negative attitude and fatalistic belief that nothing can be done about cancer, and instead promotes how our personal actions can be powerful and impactful.[10]
In 2016, World Cancer Day started a three-year campaign under the tagline of 'We can. I can.', which explored the power of collective and individual actions to reduce the impact of cancer.[11] Prior to 2016, the campaign themes included "Not Beyond Us" (2015) and "Debunk the Myths" (2014).
Year Theme
2019 - 2021 'I Am and I Will.'[10]
2016 - 2018 'We can. I can.'
2015 Not Beyond Us[12]
2014 Debunk the Myths[13]
2013 Cancer Myths - Get the Facts [14]
2012 Together let's do something[15]
2010-2011 Cancer can be prevented[16]
Results Edit
Palace of Westminster illuminated in orange and blue for World Cancer Day 2019
World Cancer Day is marked by the international cancer community, governments and individuals around the world. Each year, more than 900 activities take place in over 100 different countries, with the day itself a trending topic on Twitter.[17]
In recent years, cities have begun to support the day by lighting up important landmarks in orange and blue. In 2019, 55 landmarks in 37 cities participated in the landmark lighting initiative.[17]
At least 60 governments officially observe World Cancer Day.World Cancer Day every 4 February is the global uniting initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). By raising worldwide awareness, improving education and catalysing personal, collective and government action, we're working together to reimagine 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.
Created in 2000, World Cancer Day has grown into a positive movement for everyone, everywhere to unite under one voice to face one of our greatest challenges in history.
Each year, hundreds of activities and events take place around the world, gathering communities, organisations and individuals in schools, businesses, hospitals, marketplaces, parks, community halls, places of worship - in the streets and online - acting as a powerful reminder that we all have a role to play in reducing the global impact of cancer.
This year's World Cancer Day's theme, 'I Am and I Will', is all about you and your commitment to act. We believe that through our positive actions, together we can reach the target of reducing the number of premature deaths from cancer and noncommunicable diseases by one third by 2030.
Join us on 4 February and speak out and stand up for a cancer-free world.
Our time to act is
