World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day History

World Cancer Day serves as an international platform to unite voices globally in the common effort to fight against cancer. Intended to raise collective awareness and create actionable change, it tackles pressing issues, fosters education, and promotes the implementation of preventive measures. Central to this observance is the promotion of research for innovational cancer treatment, early detection, and overall improved patient support services.

World Cancer Day was established in 2000 at the World Summit Against Cancer held in Paris, aiming to raise significant global impact by pressing governments and individuals to take action. In Australia, World Cancer Day is highly significant. As per the Cancer Council Australia report, an estimated 150,000 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in Australia this year, with the number increasing each year. The day engages various sectors such as governments, non-profit organisations, academic institutions and the general public to undertake relevant initiatives that help in cancer prevention and treatment in the country.

On the commemoration of World Cancer Day in Australia, numerous events are conducted both physically and online. Activities range from fundraising events, awareness campaigns, educational lectures to health check-up camps. Key landmarks are illuminated in the World Cancer Day colours of orange and blue as a symbol of unity and commitment towards the cause. World Cancer Day is observed each year on the 4th of February.

Facts about World Cancer Day

• The theme for World Cancer Day in 2023-2024 was Close the care gap. Everyone deserves access to cancer care.
• World Cancer Day was created on February 4, 2000 at the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium in Paris. The Paris Charter aimed to promote research, prevent cancer, improve patient services, raise awareness, and mobilize the global community to make progress against cancer.
• According to the World Health Organization, at least one-third of all cancer cases are preventable. Lifestyle changes such as not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, keeping active, and eating right can prevent certain types of cancer.
• The survival rate for many types of cancer in Australia is relatively high compared to other countries. The five-year relative survival rate for all cancers combined is around 69%.
• The most commonly diagnosed types of cancer in Australia are prostate, breast, colorectal (bowel), and lung cancer.

In the News and Trending in Australia for World Cancer Day

Top things to do in Australia for World Cancer Day

• Understand the risks of smoking and urge those that you know to quit smoking. Smoking accounts for 25% of all cancer deaths globally each year.
• Join the fundraising activities to support cancer victims, their families, and the continued research efforts to find a cure. Many communities offer Walks for the Cure and other types of fundraising events that can support cancer survivors or those who receive treatment.
• Learn to recognize some of the general signs and symptoms of cancer. Although they differ by the type of cancer, some of the American Cancer Society's general signs and symptoms are:
  1) the presence of an obvious mass (a bump)
  2) unexplained weight loss
  3) loss of appetite
  4) frequent fevers
• Read an a book to learn more about Cancer:
  Cancer: Disease of Civilization? An Anthropological and Historical Study - by Vilhjalmur Stefansson
  Cancer in Australia: an Overview - by Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
• Attend Cancer Council's Australia's Biggest Morning Tea: Many people host a Morning Tea event in their homes, workplaces, or communities to raise funds for cancer research, prevention, and support services.