World Cancer Day 2024

Know Date, Theme, History, Significance And More

World Cancer Day is commemorated annually on February 4, with the goal of raising awareness about cancer and bolstering efforts to enhance cancer care, detection, prevention, and treatment. Cancer, a diverse group of diseases, can impact any organ or tissue in the body, characterized by the uncontrolled division of cells and the potential to spread to other parts of the body.

THEME

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

Under the 2024 campaign, the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) has a singular agenda: 'Together, we challenge those in power,' emphasizing a collective effort to address cancer-related issues and advocate for positive change.

World Cancer Day sees a multitude of activities and events worldwide, both online and offline, serving as a compelling reminder that each person contributes to lessening the cancer burden and raising awareness.

HISTORY

World Cancer Day was inaugurated on February 4, 2000, during the World Summit against Cancer for the New Millennium in Paris.

MORE ABOUT CANCER

The World Health Organization identifies cancer as the second leading cause of death globally, and the burden of cancer is on the rise. Nevertheless, advancements in diagnosis and treatment are contributing to improved survival rates.

Regular screenings and early detection play pivotal roles in enhancing survival rates for cancer. Early intervention can significantly impact outcomes and increase the effectiveness of treatments.

The WHO website highlights that in men, lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach, and liver cancer are the most prevalent, whereas in women, breast, colorectal, lung, cervical, and thyroid cancer are the most common types.

Tobacco use alone contributes to approximately one-third of cancer-related deaths. Additional risk factors encompass high body mass index, alcohol consumption, family history, specific health conditions, environmental factors, and infections by certain viruses, among others.

Common cancer treatment options encompass surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, bone marrow transplant, targeted drug therapy, and other specialized approaches tailored to individual cases.