World Cancer Day, marked every February 4, is a global initiative dedicated to fostering awareness and amplifying efforts to improve cancer care, detection, prevention, and treatment. Cancer, a complex group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth, can affect any organ or tissue and has the potential to spread.
In 2024, the theme ‘Close the care gap: Everyone deserves access to cancer care’ takes center stage, part of a three-year campaign by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). The campaign’s 2024 agenda is succinctly stated as ‘Together, we challenge those in power,’ emphasizing the drive for inclusive and equitable cancer care worldwide.
Rooted in the World Summit Against Cancer in 2000, World Cancer Day inspires a multitude of global activities, both online and offline, to underscore the shared responsibility in alleviating the burden of cancer and spreading awareness.
Globally, cancer ranks as the second leading cause of death, with the burden steadily rising. However, advancements in diagnosis and treatment contribute to improving survival rates, underscoring the significance of regular screenings and early detection.
The prevalence of cancer types varies, with lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach, and liver cancer affecting men, while breast, colorectal, lung, cervical, and thyroid cancer are prominent among women. Notably, tobacco use alone accounts for about one-third of cancer-related deaths, with other risk factors including high body mass index, alcohol consumption, family history, environmental factors, and infections by certain viruses.
Treatment options encompass diverse approaches, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, bone marrow transplant, targeted drug therapy, and more. World Cancer Day serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing global efforts to combat this formidable disease and advocates for collective action to ensure accessible and adequate cancer care for all.