World Cancer Day (4th February, 2021)

World Cancer Day (WCD) is an international day marked on February 4th every year 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 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 Nation.

WCD targets misinformation, raises awareness, and reduces stigma.Multiple initiatives are run on WCD to show support for those affected by the cancer.

One of these movements are #NoHairSelfie, a global movement to have participants shave their heads either physically or virtually to show a symbol of courage for those undergoing cancer treatment.

HISTORY

WCD was established on 4February 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, Koichiro Matsuura, and then French President Jacques Chirac in Paris on 4 February 2000

RESULTS:

WCD is marked by the international cancer community, governments and individuals around the world.Each year, more than 900 activities take place 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.In 2019, 55landmarks in 37 cities participated in the landmark lighting initiative.

At least 60 governments officially observe World Cancer Day.

References:

1.)World Cancer Day 2013 One-Pager(English) UICC.Retrieved 2February 2013

2).World Cancer Day.World Health Organization.Retrieved 2018-09-09

3).International Days.www.un.org.January6,2015

4).Szabo, Liz (3February 2013).World Cancer Day targets myths, spreads message.USA Today.Retrieved 4February 2016