World
Cancer Day is an international day marked on February 4th to raise awareness of
cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment. World Cancer
Day is led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to support the
goals of the World Cancer Declaration, written in 2008.
The
primary goal of World Cancer Day is to significantly reduce illness and death
caused by cancer and is an opportunity to rally the international community to
end the injustice of preventable suffering from cancer. The day is observed by
the United Nations.
World
Cancer Day targets misinformation raises awareness, and reduces stigma.
Multiple initiatives are run on World Cancer Day to show support for those
affected by cancer. One of these movements are #NoHairSelfie, a global movement
to have "hairticipants" shave their heads either physically or
virtually to show a symbol of courage for those undergoing cancer treatment. Images
of participants are then shared all over social media. Hundreds of events
around the world also take place.
History
World
Cancer Day was established on 4 February 2000 at the World Cancer Summit against
Cancer for the New Millenium, which was held in Paris.
The
Charter of Paris Against Cancer, which was created to promote research, prevent
cancer, improve patient services, also included an article establishing the
anniversary of the document's official signing as World Cancer Day, was signed
at the Summit by the then General Director of UNESCO, and then French President
Jacques Chirac in Paris on 4 February 2000.
World Cancer Day themes
'I
Am and I Will'. The theme seeks to counter the negative attitude and fatalistic
belief that nothing can be done about cancer, and instead promotes how our
personal actions can be powerful and impactful.
In
2016, World Cancer Day started a three-year campaign under the tagline of 'We
can. I can.', which explored the power of collective and individual actions to
reduce the impact of cancer. Prior to 2016, the campaign themes included
"Not Beyond Us" and "Debunk the Myths".
Results
Palace
of Westminster illuminated in orange and blue for World Cancer Day 2019
World
Cancer Day is marked by the international cancer community, governments and
individuals around the world. Each year, more than 900 activities take place in
over 100 different countries, with the day itself a trending topic on Twitter.
In
recent years, cities have begun to support the day by lighting up important
landmarks in orange and blue.
At least 60 governments officially observe World Cancer Day.