Our story

Find out more about the origins, identity and who is 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 action on cancer. UICC unites and supports the cancer community in its efforts to reduce the global cancer burden, promote greater equity and ensure that cancer control remains a priority on the global health and development agenda.

Founded in 1933 and based in Geneva, Switzerland, UICC has more than 1120 member organisations in over 172 countries and territories. The membership base includes the world’s major cancer leagues and societies, research institutes, treatment centres, hospitals, ministries of health, public health agencies and patient support groups.

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.

Origins of World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day was born on 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)