I. Overview
World Cancer Day (WCD) is held every year on 4 February to build awareness about cancer and promote prevention, early detection, and treatment. It’s organized by the Union for International Cancer Control, supporting the 2008 World Cancer Declaration. The aim is to cut cancer-related illness and deaths and unite the global community to reduce preventable suffering.
II. Significance of the Theme
The 2025–27 World Cancer Day theme, United by Unique, focuses on people first and highlights that every cancer journey is different. Over three years, the campaign moves from awareness to real action, reminding us that change happens when we come together and see the person, not just the disease.
III. What is Cancer?
Cancer refers to a group of diseases where abnormal cells grow and divide uncontrollably anywhere in the body. These cells can form malignant tumors, invade nearby tissues, and spread to other organs through a process called metastasis. This spread is what usually makes cancer life-threatening.
IV. Quick Facts about Cancer
Cancer is one of the top causes of death worldwide, responsible for about 10 million deaths in 2020.
Common types include breast, lung, colorectal, and prostate cancer.
About a third of cancer deaths are linked to smoking, obesity, alcohol, poor diet, and inactivity. Air pollution also raises lung cancer risk.
In many lower-income countries, infections like HPV and hepatitis cause a large share of cancers.
Many cancers are curable when found early and treated well.
An estimated 30–50% of cancers could be prevented by reducing known risk factors and following proven prevention strategies.
V. A Brief History of Cancer:
3000 BCE: The earliest signs of cancer in humans are tumors found in ancient bones and mummies.
460–370 BCE: Hippocrates, a Greek physician, was the first to use the term cancer in his writings.
130–200 CE: Galen, a Greek physician, first used the word oncos (meaning swelling) for tumors, which is where the terms oncology and oncologist come from.
1761: Giovanni Morgagni, an Italian doctor, performed the first detailed autopsies in 1761, helping establish modern cancer research and pathology.
1761: Tobacco use was linked to mouth cancer.
1895: The discovery of X-rays led to the development of radiation therapy, which was soon used to treat cancer.
1911: A virus was discovered that caused cancer in chickens, helping prove that some viruses can also cause cancer in humans.
1970s: Scientists discovered oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, and mutations in these genes can trigger cancer.
2000: World Cancer Day began during the first World Summit Against Cancer in Paris.
2207: World Cancer Day marked the start of a global effort to strengthen cancer care and resources worldwide.
2022-2024: World Cancer Day’s Close the Care Gap campaign worked to reduce inequalities in cancer care by raising awareness, uniting people for action, and pressing leaders to ensure fair access to treatment for everyone.
2025-2027: World Cancer Day campaign, United by Unique, highlights that every cancer journey is different and calls on all of us to come together, put people first, and turn awareness into real action.
VI. How to Observe Cancer day?
Raise awareness: Share simple, accurate information about cancer, its warning signs, screening, and treatment. Help people understand the facts and challenge stigma and fear.
Make a pledge: Commit to a healthy action like quitting tobacco, reducing alcohol use, eating better, exercising, or supporting someone affected by cancer.
Show your support: Wear cancer awareness ribbons or colours, share messages on social media, or light up public spaces in awareness colours.
Organize or attend events: Join talks, webinars, walks, fundraisers, or community awareness programs to spread knowledge and support patients and families.
Support research and care: Donate, volunteer, or partner with organisations working in cancer prevention, treatment, patient care, and survivorship.
References
- https://www.worldcancerday.org/
- https://www.uicc.org/what-we-do/events/world-cancer-day
- https://www.uicc.org/what-we-do/events/world-cancer-day
