World Cancer Day is observed annually on February 4 to raise awareness about cancer, promote its prevention, and inspire global action to tackle the growing cancer crisis. The day is coordinated by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).
The Origins of World Cancer Day
World Cancer Day was established on 4 February 2000 during the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium in Paris. The Paris Charter, which emerged from this summit, was designed to promote cancer research, prevention, patient services, and awareness. It also aimed to rally global efforts to make progress in the fight against cancer. As part of the Charter’s initiatives, World Cancer Day was adopted as a means to unite the global community in addressing the challenges posed by cancer.
What do we know about World Cancer Day?
UICC organizes World Cancer Day campaigns in three-year cycles, allowing for a deeper exploration of each year’s theme to maximize its impact and drive meaningful change. The new theme for World Cancer Day 2025-2027, “United by Unique,” focuses on putting people at the center of cancer care and highlighting their individual stories in the conversation.
Through individual, collective, and governmental efforts, World Cancer Day envisions a world where millions of cancer-related deaths are prevented, and life-saving treatments are accessible to all, regardless of who they are or where they live. Every year, numerous activities and events take place across the globe, bringing communities, organizations, and individuals together in various settings—from schools to hospitals, businesses, parks, and places of worship, both offline and online. These events serve as a powerful reminder that everyone has a part to play in reducing the global burden of cancer.
