Today, February 4, people across the world will observe World Cancer Day.
This day came into existence on February 4, 2000 during the World Cancer Conference for the New Millennium in Paris, France. The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) aims to use this day to support the goals of the World Cancer Declaration, which was written in 2008.
This is the first year of the three-year “Close the Care Gap” campaign. The Close the Care Gap campaign is about understanding and recognizing the inequities in cancer care around the world.
Cancer inequities occur when barriers to high-quality cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment create differences in cancer occurrence and outcomes. Additionally, socio-demographic factors, like race, ethnicity, age, income, sexual orientation, gender identity, and geographical location can influence quality of care. These inequities in wealth, education, and overall standard of living disproportionately affect people of color. Furthermore, historical and persistent structural racism and discriminatory practices lead to the cancer care disparities we see.
Cancer is now the world’s second-highest cause of mortality. Moreover, researchers estimate that 9.5 million people worldwide die of cancer annually.
Unfortunately, cancer affects almost everyone. We’re all either cancer patients or family members or friends of cancer patients. Even cancer hasn’t impacted your life yet, know that it most likely will in the future.
Everyone can make a difference, and together, we can make real progress in reducing the global impact of cancer.
Around the world, people are hosting events to talk about the effects of cancer and provide emotional support to those who battle the disease. The main purpose of today is to educate people about cancer.
Here are some ways that you can participate in World Cancer Day and also help fight against cancer:
- Post on social media using the hashtags #WorldCancerDay and #CloseTheGap.
- Wear the World Cancer Day official colors (orange and blue).
- Find and attend a World Cancer Day event near you.
- Donate to a cancer charity.
- Share your story on social media, and explain how cancer affects your life.
- Learn more about cancer, how you can reduce your cancer risk, and how cancer impacts loved ones, our communities, and the world.
- Watch a World Cancer Day livestream.
This February 4, we call on you to play your part in creating a cancer-free world. It’s important to get involved today in any way you can so that together, we can beat cancer.
Join us in the fight against cancer.
Find more information on how to participate at worldcancerday.org/take-action.
