World cancer day is an internationally recognized day led annually by the Union for International Cancer Control on February 4th. First established in the year 2000 at the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millenium in Paris, the day is held to raise awareness about cancer, encourage its prevention, early detection, and treatment. 

Our cells mutate every day, with the number increasing as we get older. When damaged or mutated cells are not eliminated, they can grow and multiply when they are not supposed to, and can form abnormal growths called tumors. Cancer is a disease when a tumor spreads to surrounding tissue of other parts of the body. Cancer is the number one leading cause of deaths in Canada.

Founded in 1933, and made up of more than 1120 member organizations, the UICC is the largest and oldest international cancer organization and charity dedicated to taking action on cancer. It unites and supports the cancer community with the goal of reducing the global cancer burden, promoting equality in treatment at all times, and making sure that cancer control stays prioritized on the global health and development agenda. 

The World Cancer Day logo is the silhouette of a person embracing the world, symbolizing the unity and shared experience of cancer, and reflecting the diverse and worldwide audience. Created in a way that it could represent anyone, anywhere. The official colors are blue and orange. 

Every three years, a new theme is put in place to represent a new part of cancer. The theme for 2025-2027 is “United by Unique”, which highlights how every experience is unique but if we unite, we can create a world where the story behind individuals’ diagnoses are not overlooked. Cancer is not only a medical diagnosis, but it is also a long term condition, affecting not only physical health but also mental, and social wellbeing of the individual and their family. The campaign aims to find new people-centered ways to approach cancer care and adapt to each individual's unique needs by prioritizing their needs and values, while taking into account cultural and socioeconomic factors. The people-centered care is based on four main principles: 

The community plays a crucial role in supporting the cause. Everybody can make a difference on World Cancer Day, regardless of the level of engagement. If you are a cancer survivor or are battling cancer, you can share your personal cancer story through text, video, or artwork. If not, you can join the action by finding events in your community, or by creating your own. You can engage in conversations about cancer with your family, friends, and colleagues; advocate for change by standing up for those affected by cancer; support efforts to improve cancer care; promote awareness by asking your city to light up a significant landmark, monument, or building on World Cancer Day in the colors orange and blue; and finally donate or fundraise money. 

Donation link: https://www.worldcancerday.org/donate 

Link to explore activities: https://www.worldcancerday.org/map-activities 

World Cancer Day. “United by Unique”, the new World Cancer Day theme 2025-2027 | World Cancer Day. https://www.worldcancerday.org/the-campaign 

What is cancer? (2021, October 11). Cancer.gov. https://www.cancer.gov/about cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer   

Public Health Agency of Canada. (2022, February 7). Canadian Cancer Statistics 2021. Canada.ca.