World Cancer Day targets misinformation,[4]raises awareness, and reduces stigma.[5] Multiple initiatives are run on World Cancer Day to show support for those affected by cancer. Hundreds of events around the world also take place.[6]
History
World Cancer Day was established on 4 February 2000 at the World Cancer Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium, which was held in Paris.
The Charter of Paris against cancer,[7] which was created to promote research, prevent cancer, improve patient services, also included an article establishing the anniversary of the document's official signing as World Cancer Day, was signed at the Summit by the then General Director of UNESCO, Kōichirō Matsuura, and then French President Jacques Chirac in Paris on 4 February 2000.[8]
The theme for the years 2025-2027 is 'United by Unique, which "places people at the centre of care and their stories at the heart of the conversation."[9]
The 2022-2024 campaign theme was 'Close the care gap' that focuses on eliminating the difference in access to cancer care services faced by populations of various groups of country income, age, gender, ethnicity etc.[10]
The 2019-2021 campaign theme was 'I Am and I Will'. The theme seeks to counter the negative attitude and fatalistic belief that nothing can be done about cancer, and instead promotes how our personal actions can be powerful and impactful.[11]
In 2016, World Cancer Day started a three-year campaign under the tagline of 'We can. I can.', which explored the power of collective and individual actions to reduce the impact of cancer.[12] Prior to 2016, the campaign themes included "Not Beyond Us" (2015) and "Debunk the Myths" (2014).
World Cancer Day is marked by the international cancer community, governments and individuals around the world.[22] Each year, nearly 1,000 activities take place in over 100 countries,
World Cancer Day generates over 25,000 press mentions more than 150 countries, half a million social media mentions, and trends each year on social media on 4 February.[23]
In recent years, cities have begun to support the day by lighting up important landmarks in orange and blue – nearly 140 landmarks in 80 countries in 2024.[23] At least 60 governments officially observe World Cancer Day.
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