World Cancer Day 2024: Theme, History, Significance And More

World Cancer Day 2024: World Cancer Day is celebrated every year on February 4. It is observed to unite the world in the fight against cancer.

World Cancer Day aims to save millions of lives annually by focusing on education, raising awareness and urging governments and individuals worldwide to take proactive measures. It also helps to strengthen actions that strive to improve cancer care, detection, preventive measures, and treatment.

World Cancer Day 2024: Theme

The theme for World Cancer Day 2024 is 'Close the care gap: Everyone deserves access to cancer care.' This theme is part of a three-year-long campaign spanning from 2022 to 2024.

The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) has a focused agenda within this campaign. According to UICC, the agenda for 2024 is 'Together, we challenge those in power.'

Annually, a multitude of activities and events take place worldwide on this day. Both online and offline activities serve as a potent reminder that each individual plays a role in reducing the cancer burden and raising awareness.

What is Cancer?

Cancer is a condition that arises when a group of normal cells change the body, resulting in uncontrolled and abnormal growth, forming a lump known as a tumor.

History of World Cancer Day

The inaugural Cancer Day was commemorated in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1933, as an initiative led by the World Health Organization.

The primary objective of World Cancer Day is to foster global awareness and educate the general public about the risks, symptoms, and prevention of cancer.

Facts about World Cancer Day 2024

Key facts about cancer, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), include:

• In 2020, cancer emerged as the leading cause of global deaths, claiming approximately 10 million lives.
• The most prevalent types of cancer include breast, lung, colon, rectum, and prostate cancers.
• Around one-third of fatal cancer cases are linked to factors such as tobacco use, high body mass index, alcohol consumption, low intake of fruits and vegetables, and a lack of physical activity.
• In low- and lower-middle-income countries, human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis contribute to cancer-causing infections, contributing to about 30% of total cancer cases.
• Timely detection and effective treatment can result in the cure of many cancers.

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