World Cancer Day is today

World Cancer Day is being observed around the world today to raise awareness about cancer diseases, their prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death and disease, responsible for 18.1 million new cases and 9.6 million deaths according to the latest reports.

Globally, one in six people die from cancer, with about 70% of cancer deaths occurring in low- or middle-income countries, where access to cancer care facilities is often not readily available.

History of World Cancer Day
Historically, the observance of World Cancer Day is linked to the International Union Against Cancer, or UICC, since 1933. This organization, founded in Geneva (Switzerland), highlighted the need to share knowledge and professional, scientific, and practical issues in all areas related to cancer on a global level. Stemming from these insights, a wide range of cancer institutions were founded and developed, and communication and cooperation between these institutions were encouraged.

One of the activities intended to encourage the general population, not just those affected by cancer, to be aware of its existence was the idea of establishing World Cancer Day.

The idea for World Cancer Day originated at the first World Summit Against Cancer held in Paris in 2000. During this meeting, representatives from various global government agencies and cancer organizations signed a charter known as the "Paris Charter Against Cancer." This charter outlines ten different articles describing the global community's commitment to improving the quality of life for cancer patients and seeking the causes and possibilities to end the disease. The tenth article of this charter established February 4th as World Cancer Day.

About 30% of all deaths from malignant diseases are due to five main risk factors related to unhealthy behaviors and habits: being overweight, insufficient intake of fruits and vegetables, lack of physical activity, and consumption of alcohol and tobacco products. Tobacco addiction alone is responsible for one-fifth of all deaths from malignant diseases, as well as for more than 70% of all deaths from lung cancer. About 70% of all deaths related to malignant diseases occur in less developed countries, and 20% are caused by viral infections (hepatitis B and C viruses, human papillomavirus).