Our Story
Find out more about our origins, identity and who is behind World Cancer Day.
-
Who’s behind World Cancer Day?
World Cancer Day is an initiative of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), the largest and oldest international cancer organisation dedicated to taking the lead in convening, capacity building and advocacy initiatives that unite the cancer community to reduce the global cancer burden, promote greater equity, and integrate cancer control into the world health and development agenda.
We believe
We believe that access to life-saving cancer diagnosis, treatment and care should be equitable for all – no matter where you live, what your income, your ethnicity or gender.
We believe that governments must be accountable and national leadership on policies, legislations, investment and innovation is key to accelerated progress.
We believe that every action matters, whether it is small or big, and that by working together we will create lasting change.
Read the World Cancer Declaration (PDF)
Origins of World Cancer Day
World Cancer Day was born on the 4 February 2000 at the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium in Paris. The Paris Charter aims to promote research, prevent cancer, improve patient services, raise awareness and mobilise the global community to make progress against cancer, and includes the adoption of World Cancer Day.
Read the full text of the Paris Charter (PDF)
Our impact in 2023
-
25k+ press articles in 170 countries
-
850+ events in 102 countries
-
430k+ social media mentions
-
60+ active governments
Our identity
The World Cancer Day logo expresses the shared human experience of cancer, featuring a person embracing the world.