World Cancer Day: Awareness, Treatment Advances, and Hope

Why the news?

World Cancer Day, observed annually on February 4, focuses on raising global awareness about cancer, promoting prevention, and highlighting recent breakthroughs in diagnosis and treatment to improve survival rates and quality of life for patients.

World Cancer Day: Awareness, Treatment Advances, and Hope

Awareness and Prevention:

  • Healthy Lifestyle: Balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding tobacco and alcohol.
  • Vaccination: Protect against HPV and Hepatitis B to prevent certain cancers.
  • Regular Check-ups: Early detection is life-saving, including screenings for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers.
  • Know the Signs: Watch for unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, lumps, or unusual bleeding.

Addressing Blood Cancer:

  • Blood cancers such as leukemia (AML, ALL), lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin), and myeloma are increasingly prevalent.
  • Common symptoms: fever, fatigue, backache, low platelet count, and breathlessness.
  • Advances in stem cell transplants and targeted therapies have improved survival rates.

Paradigm Shift in Cancer Treatment:

  • Chemotherapy: Now with reduced toxicity and better outcomes.
  • Targeted Therapy: Focuses on molecular targets while sparing healthy cells.
  • Immunotherapy: Uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
  • Minimally Invasive Surgery: Procedures like robotic and laparoscopic surgery lead to better outcomes.
  • Precise Radiotherapy: Targeted dose delivery with minimal side effects.

History of World Cancer Day:

  • Origin and Establishment: Established on 4th February 2000 at the World Cancer Summit for the New Millennium in Paris.
  • Organized by UICC: Summit led by Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).
  • Paris Charter Against Cancer: Laid the foundation to:
  • Promote research into cancer causes and treatments
  • Improve patient care
  • Raise awareness and mobilize global action

Theme of World Cancer Day 2025:

  • “United by Unique” (2025-2027 campaign) focuses on:
  • Personal Stories: Inspiring empathy through real journeys
  • Personalised Care: Advocacy for tailored treatments
  • Inclusivity: Ensuring equal care for all

Significance of the Day:

  • Encourages awareness, prevention, and early detection to reduce cancer-related deaths
  • Calls for collective global action

Common Signs and Symptoms of Cancer:

  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Persistent fatigue
  • Changes in skin
  • Lumps or swelling
  • Persistent pain
  • Changes in bowel or bladder habits
  • Unexplained bleeding or bruising
  • Chronic cough or hoarseness