World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day History

World Cancer Day aims to save lives by raising awareness and educating the population about cancer. The day also serves to pressure governments and individuals to take action in preventing, treating, and controlling cancer. Cancer is a heterogeneous group of diseases that result from abnormal cell growth and have the potential to spread to other parts of the body.

On February 4, 2000, World Cancer Day was officially established by the Paris Charter at the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium in Paris. The Paris Charter aimed to promote research for a cure and other preventative measures. It also sought services for patients and support from the global community.

Facts about World Cancer Day

• The theme for World Cancer Day in 2023-2024 was Close the care gap. Everyone deserves access to cancer care.
• World Cancer Day was created on February 4, 2000 at the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium in Paris. The Paris Charter aimed to promote research, prevent cancer, improve patient services, raise awareness, and mobilize the global community to make progress against cancer.
• According to the World Health Organization, at least one-third of all cancer cases are preventable. Lifestyle changes such as not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, keeping active, and eating right can prevent certain types of cancer.
• Breast, lung, and prostate cancer are the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the United States. Approximately 70% of patients with lung cancer die, while only 16% and 14% of patients with breast and prostate cancer suffer the same fate.
• Childhood cancers are not common. Less than 1% of all cancer diagnoses in a given year will be for a child under the age of 15.
• Since cancer knows no boundaries, and individual countries cannot address the challenges of cancer in isolation, a new cooperative approach to research, advocacy, prevention and treatment must be established - Paris Charter

In the News and Trending in the US for World Cancer Day

Top things to do in the US for World Cancer Day

• Understand the risks of smoking and urge those that you know to quit smoking. Smoking accounts for 25% of all cancer deaths globally each year.
• Join the fundraising activities to support cancer victims, their families, and the continued research efforts to find a cure. Many communities offer Walks for the Cure and other types of fundraising events that can support cancer survivors or those who receive treatment.
• Learn to recognize some of the general signs and symptoms of cancer. Although they differ by the type of cancer, some of the American Cancer Society's general signs and symptoms are:
  1) the presence of an obvious mass (a bump)
  2) unexplained weight loss
  3) loss of appetite
  4) frequent fevers
• Watch a documentary about cancer and cancer related topics. Some interesting ones are: Cancer: The Forbidden Cures (2010), Understanding Cancer: The Enemy Within (2012), and The Quest for the Cures Continues (2015).
• Donate to cancer research organizations. The American Cancer Society accepts donations that help with patient treatment and exhaustive research in the hopes of curing cancer.