World Cancer Day

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Ensure both sustainability and equity in cancer care.

A diagnosis of cancer is, for most, a highly medicalised experience. There will be what may feel like endless tests, procedures and hospital visits and that can obscure the fact that every person’s experience of diagnosis, and what follows, is unique and personal to them.

Patient focused care, where it is acknowledged that individuals have different needs, preferences and values is essential to better health outcomes. Health systems are huge, complex, organisations however and challenges to fully realising patient focused care remain.  One of the roles of research, including cancer research, is to identify and navigate these challenges.

In the Cancer Theme in NDPCHS, we have recently published A Manifesto for improving cancer detection: four key considerations when implementing innovations across the interface of primary and secondary care where we discuss some of these challenges and how to approach them to ensure both sustainability and equity in cancer care. Achieving long-term improvements in cancer detection that will benefit everyone involves engaging a broad range of stakeholders at the design stage, taking a ‘whole-system’ approach in planning, and dedicating time to anticipating unintended consequences of change.

Tackling health inequities must be at the centre of patient focused care. The nature of inequity means that those who would benefit most are often the least heard. In partnership with our colleagues at NIHR ARC Oxford and Thames Valley we have recently created the new role of Community Liaison Manager and are delighted to have appointed Haleema Aslam.

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 Uniting Unique Strengths for Transformative Innovation.

On this World Cancer Day, 4 February 2025, we celebrate the theme “United by Unique”. We consider each patient as unique not only with respect to their disease, but also to their personality, their expectations and preferences and their family environments. To be united goes beyond multidisciplinary collaboration, but actively involves and empowers the patients, their families and patient organisations, with the aim of building communities to take care of all aspects of cancer.

Advances in cancer care in general and radiotherapy in particular have improved survival rates and the quality of many cancer patients’ lives. However, with a growing cancer burden worldwide, there is an urgent need to increase public awareness of the critical role of radiation oncology. Despite radiotherapy being used to treat half of cancer patients, the discipline receives only 3% of global public cancer research funding. To close this gap, we must unite our voices to raise awareness and advocate for greater investment in innovation.

Innovation is essential to meet the challenges of modern cancer care. The use of tailored treatment approaches that address the individual needs of each patient has already made remarkable progress; however, future breakthroughs depend on collaboration. Partnerships—with patient organisations, industry leaders, and the clinical and scientific communities—are critical to increased use of this innovation. Together, we can strengthen the contribution of radiation oncology to multidisciplinary cancer care and make transformative advances that benefit every patient.

On this World Cancer Day, let us unite in our shared commitment to the improvement of cancer care for all, and celebrate the strength we derive from our diversity and the collective impact of our unique contributions.

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Focusing on cancer pain.

World Cancer Day is an annual campaign by the Union for International Cancer Control. It was created on 4 February 2000 to help unite the cancer community to reduce the global cancer burden, and advocate for equal access to life-saving cancer diagnosis, treatment and care. The new World Cancer Day theme 2025-2027 “United by Unique” places people at the centre of care and their stories at the heart of the conversation.

Pain is a common symptom among cancer survivors. Up to 40% of survivors experience pain, while at least 66% of individuals with advanced progressive cancer experience disabling pain. Research suggests that cancer pain is poorly controlled in a substantial number of individuals.

In addition to consulting on Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan in 2020, the European Pain Federation EFIC has also endorsed a Joint Statement by the European Patient Cancer Coalition to call on EU policymakers to prioritise cancer-related complications and comorbidities. See the statement in full here. 

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How health policy can better serve cancer patients and survivors?

Sofia Pereira Sá was diagnosed with cancer in summer 2023 and underwent 20 rounds of chemotherapy. She still feels some side effects now, such as “chemo brain”. “All these side effects prevented me from being the mum I wanted to be for my one and half-year-old son. I couldn't play with him, I couldn't bathe him, I couldn't take him to school. This was the hardest part of the whole treatment. It was heartbreaking,” recalls Sofia. 

Sofia’s story is all too common and a reminder that the disease touches us all.  

World Cancer Day on 4 February encourages cancer prevention globally and mobilises action to address it. According to the European Commission’s Country Cancer 2025 reports for EU countries, Norway and Iceland, cancer survival rates have increased by 12% across the EU. However, cancer prevalence has increased by 24% and cancer inequalities persist across EU countries. 

The reports find that about half of cancer cases are caused by four main cancer types: colorectal, lung, prostate and breast. They also note some improvements on several cancer risk factors in the EU, including decreasing smoking rates and an overall decrease in alcohol use. Overweight and obesity, however, remain an increasing challenge, with over half of adults in the EU being overweight. 

The EU is actively playing its part in tackling the disease. In 2021, it launched Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. This has seen the establishment of several key initiatives to improve cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment and quality of life of cancer patients and survivors in the EU.  

One of these initiatives, the European Commission Initiative on Breast Cancer, published the first official version of the European quality assurance scheme for breast cancer services, ahead of World Cancer Day. The scheme defines a set of quality requirements for breast cancer care, covering screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up across the EU. 

On World Cancer Day, Commissioner Várhelyi is hosting his first Youth Policy Dialogue, with 30 young cancer survivors and young cancer professionals. The Dialogue is an occasion for the participants to share their views on EU health policies and programmes in the field of oncology and discuss how health policy can better serve cancer patients and survivors. 

Meantime, Sofia is drawing hope from a new-found ‘superglue’ developed by a research team funded by the EU’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. The superglue not only helps the immune system fight cancer more effectively, but it also keeps undesirable side effects to a minimum. 

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Statement of the WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia on World Cancer Day 2025.

Each year 4 February is commemorated as World Cancer Day. Today marks twenty-five years of signing the Charter of Paris Against Cancer at the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millenium. On this year’s World Cancer Day themed United by Unique, which is a reminder of the collective commitment against cancer, WHO acknowledges every patient’s unique experiences and the value of people-centered care delivered jointly by healthcare providers, families, friends and community.

WHO South-East Asia Region had 2.4 million new cases of cancer in 2022, including 56,000 children, and 1.5 million deaths. Among all the WHO regions, our Region had the highest number of cancers of lips and oral cavity, uterine cervix, and childhood cancers. It is estimated that by 2050, there will be 85% increase in the number of new cases and deaths in the Region.

In the last few years, countries in the Region have made notable progress in cancer control. Six countries have dedicated national plans for cancer control, and two countries have included cancer as part of national NCD plan to strategically guide the cancer prevention and control activities. Bhutan successfully completed the Health Flagship project in 2020, where more than 90% of the target populations were screened for gastric, cervical, and breast cancer each, with screened positives being linked to diagnosis and treatment. The country is currently integrating the model into mainstream health services. Through the Cancer Anywhere program, Thailand has adopted universal health coverage approach to cancer management. Eight countries have introduced nationwide Human Papillomavirus vaccination. Global initiative for childhood cancer is being implemented in ten countries through a regional network of institutions. Seven countries have operational population-based cancer registries. In ten countries, tertiary level cancer care is generally available, reaching 50 percent or more patients in need. The Region has seen the fastest rate of decline in tobacco use which is a major risk factor for several high burden cancers. WHO has worked closely with all the Member States supporting these efforts.

There are, however, persistent challenges. The response to cancer control is not uniform among countries. National cancer control programmes and plans are not fully aligned with evidence or best practices resulting in their ineffective implementation. Policies and guidance on control of cancer-causing agents prevalent in the Region, such as areca nut, is lacking. Existing cancer prevention policies and programmes are not fully implemented, leading to millions of avoidable cases. Cancer services are included in health benefit packages in only six countries. Screening for specific cancers is low. For example, cervical cancer screening has less than fifty percent coverage in seven countries, which is much below the target of seventy percent required for elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem. Late diagnosis, when treatment is generally less effective and costlier, is common. National capacities remain inadequate to manage the increasing cancer burden. Not all countries of the Region have functioning population-based cancer registries or national surveillance systems that include cancer indicators for routine reporting. Only three percent of patients in need of palliative care are estimated to be receiving the care.  

To overcome challenges through a contextualized, evidence-based approach, WHO worked with Member States and partners in co-creating the WHO South-East Asia Regional Strategy for comprehensive cancer prevention and management 2024-2030, implementation of which was approved at the seventy-seventh Regional Committee.  The strategy highlights the importance of a people-centred approach, placing individuals and communities at the heart of health systems, including cancer care. WHO will continue to work with countries in their efforts to reduce the care gap in collaboration with other UN agencies and development partners. Additionally, partnership will be strengthened with communities, civil societies, private sector and other stakeholders. It is only with joint effort led by governments, supported by WHO and partners, and through collaboration that we will be better equipped to tackle the rising cancer burden.

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Statement of the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti on World Cancer Day 2025.

 Today, on 4 February, WHO joins the international community in commemorating World Cancer Day under the theme “United by Unique”, a reminder that every cancer journey matters, and that collective action is key to ensuring compassionate, equitable care for all.

In the African Region, more than 900 000 new cancer cases and over 580 000 deaths were recorded in 2022 alone, evidence that the disease continues to pose a significant and urgent health challenge across the continent.

Cervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the region, accounting for over 22% of all cancer deaths, while breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed. For men, prostate cancer is the most common, and continues to rise.

Without urgent action, cancer deaths in Africa could increase by over 70% by 2040.

Behind every statistic is a personal story. I lost a beloved aunt to cervical cancer – a loss that deepened my commitment to ensuring that prevention and care reach all those who need it.

I shared this story during the WHO Regional Committee for Africa’s 74th Session (RC74) last year, when we hosted an inspiring side-event at which cervical cancer survivors called for expanded HPV vaccination, screening and treatment.

Also last year, during the 1st International Conference on PEN-Plus in Africa (ICPPA) in the United Republic of Tanzania, we were inspired by a childhood cancer survivor who shared how his experience drives his mission to improve access to care. Similarly, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, young breast cancer survivors and their families shared moving accounts of their struggles and triumphs.

These voices remind us that cancer care is not just about numbers – it is about people, families and communities.

Prostate, colorectal and liver cancers – the latter often linked to viral hepatitis – also require urgent attention. Liver cancer is one of the most fatal in the region, due to late diagnosis and limited access to treatment. Yet, there is significant capacity to build on existing initiatives, such as hepatitis B vaccination programmes.

Similarly, colorectal cancer is on the rise, especially in younger populations, while targeted interventions are needed to address prostate cancer. These need to focus on awareness-raising, early detection, and providing tailored services for at-risk populations to ensure equitable access to care.

This demands collaboration with partners and transformative global initiatives, such as the the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC), the Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI) and the Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative. 

We urge Member States, civil society and partners to act now. Expanding HPV DNA testing for cervical cancer, increasing early detection for breast and prostate cancers, and improving access to diagnosis and treatment for liver and colorectal cancers are vital.

We must also strengthen health systems to ensure affordable, high-quality cancer care, and invest in education campaigns to reduce stigma, encourage HPV vaccination, and promote early diagnosis.

Cancer survivors and their families play a key role in advocacy and policy development. Their lived experiences offer valuable insights that can shape patient-centred health systems.

To leaders across the region, I encourage you to adopt WHO’s evidence-based tools, including the updated “Best Buys” for noncommunicable diseases, to implement cost-effective and sustainable solutions. Integrating cancer prevention, screening, treatment and palliative care into broader health services will be crucial in closing the gaps in care.

We all have a role to play. Together we can create a future where cancer care is accessible to all, and no one is left behind.

WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti 

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Statement of the IAEA Director-General on World Cancer Day 2025.

''One in Five people develops cancer.'' Mr. Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

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Statement of the WHO Director General on World Cancer Day 2024; February 2nd.

"New estimates show that about 1 in 5 people globally will develop cancer.   This World Cancer Day, The WHO remains committed to supporting every country to prevent, detect and treat cancer for all people." Dr.Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

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Reduce your cancer risk.

Here are some ways to reduce your cancer risk

Don’t use tobacco

Exercise regularly

Eat more fruits and vegetables

Limit alcohol consumption and maintain a healthy weight

World Health Organization on World Cancer Day; February 4th.

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Message of the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti.

In August 2023, I attended a cervical cancer meeting with survivors and was excited by the potential of new tools to accelerate access to vaccination, screening, and treatment. One of the things survivors said was the need for leaders to listen to their stories.

On the 4th of February every year, the world unites to raise awareness on fundamental cancer issues; we at the WHO African Region connect with the public in spearheading this annual awareness day and beyond. 

Between 2022 and 2024, the focus of World Cancer Day is to help “Close the cancer gap.” This year marks the third and final year of the campaign. The theme for this year is “Together, we challenge those in power”. This theme encompasses the global demand for leaders to prioritize and invest in cancer prevention and care and to do more to achieve a just and cancer-free world. 

The cancer situation in Africa is disheartening. In the year 2020, approximately 1.1 million new cancer cases occurred on the continent, with around 700 000 deaths. About 50% of new cancer cases in adults in Africa are due to breast, cervical, prostate, colorectal, and liver cancers.   If urgent measures are not taken, cancer mortality in the region is projected to reach about one million deaths per year by 2030. Also, in 20 years, cancer death rates in Africa will overtake the global average of 30%. This is more so because cancer survival rates in the WHO African region currently average 12%, much lower than the average of over 80% in High-Income Countries. 

Nevertheless, we commend the progress made in cancer prevention and care in our region. For instance, 17 countries  have introduced high-performance-based screening tests in line with the WHO recommendations. Also, 28 of our Member States have introduced nationwide HPV vaccination to reach about 60% of the priority population targeted with HPV vaccination.  

This year’s theme is auspicious as it reinforces all persons and groups’ universal right to health.  We believe that regardless of socioeconomic status, geographic location, age, and gender, every person must be afforded an equal chance at the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. 

We call on the region’s countries, communities, partners, and civil society to unite and foster universal access to cancer prevention and care. 

Stakeholders must identify feasible priorities, implement evidence-based population-wide interventions and invest in cancer control. 

Countries should use the updated WHO Best Buys , the facilitative tool designed to enable governments to select lifesaving policies and interventions for noncommunicable diseases. 

Leaders are responsible for ensuring that cancer prevention and care deploy technologies and therapies that are available at low cost to affected persons and their families, which are value for money. Furthermore, countries should strengthen information systems to gather quality data for decision-making. 

We reiterate that civil society, especially organizations of cancer survivors or persons with lived cancer experiences, are critical in the fight against cancer in Africa. Such a whole-of-society approach to cancer prevention and care is the essence of this year’s World Cancer Day theme.  

“Together, we challenge those in power” to go the extra mile for a cancer-free Africa! 

Learn more:

Cancer Today (iarc.fr)

WHO report on cancer: setting priorities, investing wisely and providing care for all

Noncommunicable Disease Surveillance, Monitoring and Reporting (who.int)

New recommendations for screening and treatment to prevent cervical cancer (who.int)

Cervical cancer | WHO | Regional Office for Africa

Three African countries pilot initiative to boost cervical and breast cancer care | WHO | Regional Office for Africa

Beating childhood cancer | WHO | Regional Office for Africa

The Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (who.int)

Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative

The Global Breast Cancer Initiative (who.int)

WHO and St. Jude to dramatically increase global access to childhood cancer medicines

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Engage in discussions and champion the cancer community as part of our collective effort to reduce the cancer burden.

Join us on our live streams as we unite survivors, caregivers, experts, and advocates from around the world. Together we'll share inspiring stories, engage in discussions and champion the cancer community as part of our collective effort to reduce the cancer burden.

Live programme 2024 | World Cancer Day

Our livestreams will bring together experts, survivors, and advocates from around the world to share inspiring stories, discuss the cancer t

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Key actions that governments can take.

Increase funding for cancer research  

Develop a population-based cancer registry

Implement an effective national cancer strategy

Take measurable action towards universal health coverage

Improve education around cancer

Strictly regulate the production, sales and marketing of tobacco, alcohol and other carcinogenic products

Implement routine screening programmes for common cancers

Foster patient-centred care

Address the systemic social determinants of health 

About the World Cancer Day Call to Action | World Cancer Day

  Half the world’s population lacks access to the full range of essential health services. When it comes to cancer, many of us are denied ba

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Call to Action urging governments to reduce inequities in cancer care.

The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), the organiser of World Cancer Day, encourages everyone to ask their governments to improve health equity, to make it easier for all populations to enjoy affordable and accessible cancer services, and to reduce disparities in cancer incidence and mortality. 

We have an extraordinary opportunity to accelerate progress toward this goal – but only if we act now together.

Add your voice to the effort and ask your representative to close the care gap. 

Join the Call to Action urging governments to reduce inequities in cancer care.

World Cancer Day 2024 Call to Action | World Cancer Day

Join the World Cancer Day Call to Action. We call on governments around the world to promote health equity, enhance cancer service accessibi

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Will you stand with us and demand a healthier world for all?

Where you live should not determine if you live. Join the World Cancer Day 2024 Call to Action urging governments to reduce inequities in cancer care.

World Cancer Day 2024 Call to Action | World Cancer Day

Join the World Cancer Day Call to Action. We call on governments around the world to promote health equity, enhance cancer service accessibi

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About the most common cancers.

The 5 most common types of cancer are, Breast cancer; Lung cancer, Prostate cancer, Colon & Rectum cancer and Stomach cancer.

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30-50% of cancers can be prevented through Screening and Pre-cancer Treatment.

Screening is an important element of comprehensive cancer prevention and control. Strengthening early diagnosis and increasing access to treatment improves the chance of survival for millions of people living with cancer.

Cancer

Cancer is a generic term for a large group of diseases that can affect any part of the body.

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Let us unite against cancer and take action to make universal health for cancer prevention, treatment and care a reality.

A young girl from Rwanda with a tumor the size of a cauliflower on her face met a doctor. The young girl was one of the doctor’s first patients. The girl’s father, a subsistence farmer, had tried traditional solutions, but the tumor had grown, and his expenses too. The family needed an oncologist. Eventually, the doctor called the one who talked her through the treatment that saved the girl’s life.

We join the international community commemorating World Cancer Day today, 4 February 2023. The theme of this year is “Close the care Gap: Uniting our voices and taking action.” This year’s campaign summons like-minded people to be united as we build stronger alliances and new innovative collaborations in the fight against cancer.

Cancer is a public health issue of major concern. 

The numbers are stark. Approximately 1.1 million new cancer cases occur each year in Africa, with about 700,000 deaths. Data estimates show a considerable increase in cancer mortality to nearly one million deaths per year by 2030, without urgent and bold interventions. 

We should recall that the most common cancers in adults include breast (16.5%), cervical (13.1%), prostate (9.4%), Colorectal (6%), and liver (4.6%) cancers, contributing to nearly half of the new cancer cases.   With significant data challenges, childhood cancer incidence in sub-Saharan Africa is estimated at 56.3 per million population. Current projections show that Africa will account for nearly 50% of the global childhood cancer burden by 2050, compelling expeditious efforts to confront this concern, as was done for the young girl from Rwanda.

  In that view, it is important to celebrate some achievements we have made as a region, at the country level. Twelve countries in the region have valid National Cancer Control Plans. WHO is supporting eleven additional countries in developing or updating their National Cancer Control Plans aligned to the global cancer initiatives coupled with the presence of governance structures at the government level to implement Cancer Plans.

Countries such as Ghana, Senegal, Zambia, and Senegal have developed National Treatment Guidelines for childhood cancer. Twenty-five countries have developed and are using Cancer Guidelines. Political will remains significant in improving the cancer landscape. Including childhood cancer medicines in the National Health Insurance Scheme in Ghana and Zambia is a good example. Such a strategic action will significantly contribute to the increase in survival rates for children with cancer in these countries. 

We are collaborating with Childhood Cancer International to develop and pilot the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support guidelines for children in Burkina Faso. It is gratifying to note the steady increase of HPV vaccination national introduction by 51% of countries in the region, although coverage remains concerning  at 21%.

Currently, 16 countries have introduced high-performance-based screening tests in line with WHO recommendations and plan to scale up cervical cancer screening. The introduction of gynecologic oncology Fellowships for improved access to cervical cancer treatment services in Malawi and Zambia is commendable and innovative.

Working closely with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in cancer registration, we launched three collaborating centers in Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya, and South Africa. The centers will facilitate capacity building for local staff and improve data quality for effective decision-making.

Despite these achievements, stumbling blocks remain on our path. These include the low availability of Population Based Cancer Registries; limited health promotion; inadequate access to primary prevention and early detection services; the scarcity of diagnostic facilities that increase delays in diagnosis and treatment. Provision of palliative care is rare in Africa, notwithstanding the significant need for it. Africa has only 3% of the world’s cancer treatment facilities, with radiotherapy available in just 22 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, contributing to very low survival rates.

By uniting voices and action, we can address cancer at individual and community levels: Choosing healthy lifestyles, getting vaccinated, and getting routinely screened against preventable cancers. Parents have the responsibility to ensure their eligible daughters receive HPV vaccines.

I call on Governments to develop/update national cancer control plans, provide sustainable financing and invest in cancer registration. I encourage Governments to incorporate cancer care into essential benefits packages and national health insurance systems. It is also critical to ensure adequate infrastructure for human resource, screening, diagnostics, and treatment. There is equally a need to expand the use of digital health and establish relevant trainings for the cancer workforce.

Finally, cancer survivors can lend their voices as advocates for better cancer services. As persons with lived experience, they should be involved designing cancer services at all levels of health care.

Let us unite against cancer and take action to make universal health for cancer prevention, treatment and care a reality in Africa.

Statement by the WHO Regional Director for Africa on World Cancer Day 2023.

Message of the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti