World Cancer Day: 4th February

neerajsingh18

Feb 4

World Cancer Day: 4^th February

Every year on February 4, world observes World Cancer Day to raise awareness about the disease and its prevention. Cancer is the leading cause of death globally and claims millions of lives every year. Prevention, early diagnosis, and screening are among the most important aspects of combating cancer that can help save lives.

About Union for International Cancer Control:

HQ: Geneva, Switzerland

Founded: 1933

World Cancer Day is observed on February 4 by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), a non-governmental international organisation working towards uniting the cancer community and reducing the burden of cancer globally.

History:

The World Summit against Cancer was organised to inspire efforts to combat cancer. Government officials, oncologists, and other stakeholders had gathered at the Summit giving birth to the Paris Charter Against Cancer.

The charter was declared final on February 4 as World Cancer Day "so that each year, the Charter of Paris will be in the hearts and minds of people around the world".

The Paris Charter is promoting research on cancer, improving services for cancer patients, raising awareness, and mobilising the global community to act against the disease.

Significance:

As per the research by the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is a large group of diseases that can impact any part of the body. The abnormal growth of cells is responsible for spreading to other organs of the body and invading the adjoining parts.

WHO released a report which showed that close to 10 million people died due to cancer in 2020 and lung cancer was the most common cause claiming 1.80 million lives.

Although cancer can be life threatening, many cancer patients can be cured if the disease is detected early and treated properly.

So it is much important to create awareness about cancer prevention and control.

Theme of World Cancer Day 2023:

'Close the Care Gap' is the theme for World Cancer Day 2022-24. The theme is focusing on exposure, engagement and opportunities to meet the global awareness of Cancer Day.