World Cancer Day is observed by the United Nations on the 4th of February each year internationally. It was created to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its detection, prevention, and treatment. Written in 2008, Global Cancer Day is directed by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to advocate the objectives of the World Cancer Declaration. The basic aim of the day is to lessen the illness and death induced by cancer. It is moreover a chance to round up the interglobal community to cease the mistreatment of preventable anguish from cancer.
World Cancer Day 2024 Date
Cancer Day is marked by the international cancer community, administrations, and individuals around the globe. The day preys on misinformation, which draws attention and reduces stigma. Several initiatives are operating on Worldwide Cancer Day to demonstrate assistance for those impacted by cancer. This year, World Cancer Day will be celebrated on Sunday, 4 February 2024.
World Cancer Day Activities
Hundreds of activities are held each year on Cancer Day in over 100 countries. At least 60 governments observe Cancer Day officially.
In recent years, municipalities have commenced to endorse the day by lighting up significant landmarks in orange and blue. 55 landmarks in 37 municipalities took part in the lighting initiative in 2019.
One of these activities is #NoHairSelfie, a multinational movement to have "hairticipants" shave their heads either physically or virtually to demonstrate a symbol of gutsiness for those undergoing cancer treatment. Pictures of participants are posted on social media.
History of World Cancer Day
World Cancer Day was founded on February 4, 2000, at the World Cancer Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium. It was held in Paris. The Charter of Paris Against Cancer was established to encourage research to prevent cancer and boost patient services. It also included an article establishing the anniversary of the document's official signing as World Cancer Day. It was signed at the Summit on 4 February, by the then French President Jacques Chirac in Paris and then General Director of UNESCO, Kōichirō Matsuura.
World Cancer Day Theme 2023
"Close The Care Gap" – The World Cancer Day theme for the years 2022-2024 was set in 2022. It prioritizes eradicating the disparity in entrance to cancer care services confronted by people of various classes of country earnings, gender, ethnicity, age, and others.
The Worldwide Cancer Day campaign theme for 2019-2021 was 'I Am and I Will'. The theme strives to contradict the adverse attitude and fatalistic sentiment that nothing can be done about cancer and rather supports how our actions can be impactful and powerful.
In 2016, Global Cancer Day commenced a 3-year campaign under the tagline of 'We can. I can.', which studied the ability of cooperation and particular efforts to lessen the consequence of cancer. Prior to 2016, the campaign themes were "Not Beyond Us" (in 2015) and "Debunk the Myths" (in 2014).
World Cancer Day Quotes
Below we added 10 inspirational Cancer Quotes for you to share with your cancer patients to boost their willpower so that they can survive. You can also share these quotes on social media to raise awareness on the occasion of World Cancer Day:
“You can be a victim of cancer, or a survivor of cancer. It's a mindset.” — Dave Pelzer
“I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.” ― Louisa May Alcott
“Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey toward it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us.” — Samuel Smiles
“When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds, and diamonds are made under pressure.” — Peter Marshall
“The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it.” — C.C. Scott
"Yesterday is gone, tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today, let us begin.” — Mother Teresa
“One day at a time, one step at a time. Do what you can, do your best. Let God handle the rest.” — Michelle Jones
“Seeds of faith are always within us; sometimes it takes a crisis to nourish and encourage their growth.” — Susan Taylor
“Once you choose hope, anything’s possible.” — Christopher Reeve
“Let nothing trouble you, let nothing frighten you. All things are passing; God never changes. Patience obtains all things. He who possesses God lacks nothing. God alone suffices.” — St. Teresa of Avila