World Cancer Day 2025: Cancer refers to any one of a large number of diseases characterized by the development of abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably and have the ability to infiltrate and destroy normal body tissue. Cancer often can spread throughout your body. Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the world.
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History of World Cancer Day
World cancer day was declared on the 4th of February under the charter signed by the united nations and its member nations. This summit was held in Paris and facilitated the proceedings that led to the declaration of a day that is solely dedicated to spreading awareness about this horrific disease that is cancer and reminding us of having the courage and enough grit to fight against this doom.
World cancer day also reminds us of the amount of progress we have made in the field of science and technology that has ultimately manifested itself in the healthcare department of not only one nation but a global community as one.
It is also because of world science day that we get to have global platforms through which we can spread awareness and educate the budding future of this planet about the impending doom and its rapid escalations of deadly diseases. This day has also been a major tool for acknowledging the rapid increase in the statistics of cancer patients around the world along with the numerous discoveries of new types of cancers found in an increasing number of people.
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World Cancer Day 2025 Theme
On 4 February, we will come together once again to mark World Cancer Day – a day of unity, action, and hope. The World Cancer Day theme ‘United by Unique’ places people at the centre of care and their stories at the heart of the conversation. Every individual facing cancer has a unique story, a unique experience – and yet, we’re all united by our shared commitment to create a world where we look beyond the disease and see the person before the patient.” – Cary Adams, CEO of UICC
Importance of World Cancer Day
Cancer is a condition in which some cells in the body develop uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. Globally, cancer is the leading cause of mortality, accounting for over one crore deaths in 2020. In India, the incidence rate was reported between 19 and 20 lahks (estimated) cases in 2022. Usage of Tobacco, prolonged consumption of alcohol, unhealthy food habits, lack of physical exercise, and exposure to air pollution are all risk factors for cancer.
Low and middle-income nations face a unique challenge in addressing the cancer risk caused by several chronic illnesses. In addition, these nations had shown poor cancer prognosis due to a lack of education, delayed diagnosis, and low access to affordable treatment. In developing countries, too, the lack of cancer awareness leads to delay in diagnosis. A study reported in 2020, was conducted in four major centres in India, where the majority of cancer patients seek treatment for the first time only when they are in their advanced stages. The literacy rate and low income greatly influence cancer awareness. In India, people with higher incomes and literacy levels were more aware of cancer than others.
Cancer Control
Cancer control aims to reduce the incidence, morbidity and mortality of cancer and to improve the quality of life of cancer patients in a defined population, through the systematic implementation of evidence-based interventions for prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care.
It bring together people and organisations to coordinate actions, policies and services. They agree on the most effective solutions for the wider population, while taking into account the specific needs of subgroups that may face disproportionate rates of cancer and mortality.
A cancer control programme is successful when it ensures that everyone in the community (or country) is motivated to live a healthy lifestyle, is given the best possible chance to prevent cancer and has access to affordable and effective treatment and care.
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This is not yet a reality everywhere. The number of cancer cases and deaths are increasing the fastest in low- and middle-income countries due to aging , a shift to urban lifestyles and a growing exposure to risk factors and alcohol consumption. Health care systems are often under-resourced and governments have not been able to make cancer control a priority.
In high-income countries, there are important differences in people’s ability to access cancer services and the level of care is not the same for everyone. This leads to a higher number of cancer cases and deaths in some populations.
Effective (and adequately financed)cancer control plans are needed everywhere to stop the growing cancer burden and to help more people survive this disease regardless of race, age, gender, location, social or economic status.
How can you celebrate World Cancer Day?
On February 4th, World Cancer Day, you can do your bit to show support for those battling cancer and to highlight the critical importance of preventing it, its early detection, and treatment in multiple ways. Here are some of them:
Charity Walks:
Organise a charity walk or run in your community to raise funds for cancer research and support programs. Participants can register to walk or run their chosen distance, and you can also include educational booths or speakers along the route to provide information about cancer prevention and early detection.
Fundraising Events:
Host a fundraising event or dinner event where attendees can enjoy an evening of entertainment, dining, and silent auctions. You can invite guest speakers, such as cancer survivors or medical professionals, to share their stories and insights about cancer awareness and advocacy.
Health Fairs:
Organise a health fair or expo focused on cancer prevention and wellness. Set up booths with information about healthy lifestyle choices, cancer screenings, and resources for cancer patients and caregivers. You can also offer free screenings or consultations with healthcare professionals.
Educational Workshops:
Host educational workshops or seminars on topics related to cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment options. Invite medical experts, nutritionists, and fitness instructors to lead sessions on healthy living, cancer screenings, and coping strategies for patients and their families.
Art Exhibits:
Curate an art exhibit featuring works by cancer survivors, caregivers, and artists inspired by the theme of resilience and hope in the face of cancer. You can showcase paintings, sculptures, photographs, and other artistic expressions that convey messages of strength and perseverance. These art exhibits are creative World Cancer Day event ideas, promoting awareness through artistic expression.