At the beginning of every February, people and families across the globe take part in World Cancer Day to raise awareness and advocate for treatments to fight the disease.
World Cancer Day is recognized by governments in dozens of countries and across the international cancer community — with the ultimate goal of reducing the death and suffering caused by all forms of cancer.
Cancer affects tens of millions of people and families around the world, especially in impoverished nations and communities that do not have funds for treatment. In 2023, roughly 2 million people in the United States were diagnosed with cancer and an estimated 609,820 people died, according to the National Cancer Institute.
The most deadly form of cancer in 2023 was lung and bronchus cancer, which killed 127,070 people. "That is nearly three times the 52,550 deaths due to colorectal cancer, which is the second most common cause of cancer death," as per the National Cancer Institute's findings.
The leading diagnosis of cancer for men was prostate cancer, while breast cancer was the most common form for women. "An estimated 297,790 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer, which makes it the most common cancer diagnosis," says the National Cancer Institute.
Officially, World Cancer Day commences on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024 — and will end the following day.
International organizations such as the United Nations recognize the importance of the day and use social media to spread cancer awareness.
The World Cancer Day website says the theme for 2022-2024 is "Close the Care Gap," which emphasizes the need to remove the barriers to receiving cancer treatment that is based on country, income, gender, age, race or ethnicity.
The focus of this goal is on promoting equal access to quality cancer care for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances.
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From 2019 through 2021, the official theme of the day focused on countering negative beliefs about overcoming cancer and promoting personal empowerment with the phrase "I Am and I Will."
The goal for this theme was to instill a mindset of resilience, responsibility and collective efforts to combat the challenges posed by cancer.
"We know that every single one of us has the ability to make a difference, large or small, and that together we can make real progress in reducing the global impact of cancer," states the World Cancer Day website.
The symbol of World Cancer Day is a purple ribbon encircling the globe.
It signifies a shared commitment from diverse corners of the world, reflecting the collaborative efforts, resources, and determination pooled together to address the challenges posed by cancer.
"This 4 February, we call on you, whoever and wherever you are, to play your part in creating a cancer-free world," as seen on the World Cancer Day website.
This iconic purple ribbon is widely acknowledged as a symbol of cancer awareness, symbolizing hope, resilience, and determination in the face of challenges.
The goal of the World Cancer Day campaign is "to imagine a better way of doing things and to build a fairer vision of the future — a future where people live healthier lives and have better access to health and cancer services, no matter where they are born, grow, age, work or live," reads the website.
World Cancer Day was officially established over two decades ago on Feb. 4, 2000, at the World Cancer Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium in Paris.
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Then-General Director of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization Koichiro Matsuura, along with then-French President Jacques Cirac, signed the articles establishing the day.
Currently, the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) is the main leader of World Cancer Day, taking the lead in organizing impactful activities and campaigns on a global scale.
As the primary driving force behind the day, the UICC collaborates with diverse stakeholders, including governments, organizations, healthcare professionals and individuals, to ensure a unified and comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges posed by cancer.
World Cancer Day is observed by approximately 60 governments around the world, including the United States.
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One of the initiatives that cities typically participate in is lighting ceremonies; various landmarks will be dressed in orange and blue.
Many people express their support by wearing the official symbol of the day, the unity band, signifying solidarity. Communities worldwide engage in various activities, such as organizing educational events, social media campaigns, and fundraisers.
These initiatives aim to spread information about cancer prevention, early detection, and available support. Beyond awareness, World Cancer Day provides an opportunity for individuals to participate in acts of kindness, whether through volunteering, supporting cancer patients, or attending memorial events.
"On World Cancer Day and beyond, it’s essential that we focus on cancer and help close the care gap," said Marie-France Tschudin, president of innovative medicines International at Novartis, according to the World Cancer Day website.
Philip Nieto contributed reporting.
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