Every year World Cancer Day is observed on February 4 to create more awareness about the fatal diseases. The idea is to reduce the stigma that is born around Cancer. Throughout the year events on annual themes have given multiple people a platform to talk about their stories and dismiss the taboo that surrounds them.

This international day is a ‘global uniting initiative’ led by the Union of International Cancer Control (UICC) and is meant to encourage the prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer as early as possible.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally. The top cancers that affect the Indian population are lung, breast, cervical, head and neck and colorectal cancer (CRC). So it is important to understand each type of cancer and how it impacts the body. On World Cancer Day, everyone comes together with an agenda to achieve a healthier and brighter world free of cancer.

Origin

World Cancer Day was first established at the World Cancer Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium held in Paris, on February 4, 2000. This day celebrates the anniversary of the signing of the ‘Charter of Paris Against Cancer’ by the General Director of UNESCO, K?ichir? Matsuura and the French President Jacques Chirac.

Theme

The theme for World Cancer Day 2021 is `I Am and I Will.` It is a multi-year campaign that began in 2019 and this year will mark the last year. It represents an empowering call-to-action urging personal commitment, and also represents the power of action taken now to have a positive impact on the future. It focuses on `together, all our actions matter.`

Importance

The observance of World Cancer Day is centred around reducing the global impact that cancer has and in providing support for cancer patients and survivors through catalysing personal, collective and government action. World Cancer Day also targets misinformation and stigma about cancer.
In India, the most common types of cancer are breast, oral, cervical, lung, stomach and colorectal cancer, making it imperative to provide people with the correct information and healthcare in time. As a day observed by the United Nations, World Cancer Day seeks to unite the international community in support of those affected by cancer and also calls to all global citizens to take action against this disease.

Quotes

"There`s no one way to tell how our experiences change us or shape us. Not all transformations are visible. What I`ve learnt is to never let it hold me back. I`d rather dress up and show up!" -Sonali Bendre

"Cricket is my life. Before the cancer, I was happy-go-lucky. I used to think about my career and worry about the future. But post it, my thinking has completely changed. I`m happy to eat and breathe normally. I`m happy to have my life back." - Yuvraj Singh

"I think cancer came into my life as a gift. My vision is sharper, my mind clearer, my perspective realigned. I have succeeded in transforming my passive-aggressive anger and anxiety into more peaceful expressions." - Manisha Koirala