World Cancer Day 2023: History, Significance And All That You Need To Know

The 'Charter of Paris Against Cancer,' consisting of ten articles, was signed, establishing a global commitment to improving cancer patients' facilitation and quality of life.

World Cancer Day 2023

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New Delhi: World Cancer Day is celebrated every year on February 4 with the goal to educate and motivate people about its prevention, early detection, and treatment. The Union for International Cancer Control took this step to lobby and advocate for the World Cancer Declaration's aims, which were drafted in 2008.

World Cancer Day 2023: History

According to the World Health Organization, cancer is one of the major causes of death worldwide. In 1993, the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), a membership-based organization was founded in Geneva, which would work to eradicate cancer worldwide and advance medical research. In the same year, the inaugural International Cancer Day was held in Geneva, Switzerland, under its guidance. 

World Cancer Day was established at the first World Cancer Summit in 2000. Members of cancer groups and senior political leaders from around the world attended the event in Paris. The 'Charter of Paris Against Cancer,' consisting of ten articles, was signed, establishing a global commitment to improving cancer patients' facilitation and quality of life. Progress and greater investment in cancer research, prevention, and treatment were also recognised. Article X of this charter formally recognised February 4 as World Cancer Day.

World Cancer Day 2023: Significance

World Cancer Day is notable because it highlights the global impact of cancer. It serves as a platform to emphasise the need for early detection and treatment in reducing the loss of precious human lives. Every year, it also brings together campaigns from all over the world under a single banner. The day is also a call to action for individuals, governments, and organisations to collaborate in order to mitigate the negative consequences of cancer on individuals, families, and communities worldwide.

World Cancer Day 2023: Theme

According to UICC, the theme for World Cancer Day 2022-2024 is "Close the Care Gap". Every single person has the ability to make a difference, large or small, but together the health community can make real progress in reducing the global impact of cancer.