World Cancer Day 2025

Why in News? 

On February 4, 2025, World Cancer Day was observed globally to raise awareness about the rising cancer cases, including in India. The focus was on educating people about prevention and lifestyle changes to combat the disease. 

Introduction of World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day is observed annually on February 4. It is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about cancer, promoting early detection, encouraging preventive measures, and supporting individuals and families affected by this life-threatening disease. 

• It was established by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) in 2000. The day seeks to unite governments, healthcare organizations, non-profits, and individuals in the fight against cancer.
• Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally, responsible for nearly 10 million deaths annually, as per data from the World Health Organization (WHO). The significance of World Cancer Day lies in its mission to:
  • Educate the public about cancer prevention, detection, and treatment options.
  • Advocate for equitable healthcare access for all cancer patients.
  • Mobilize communities and policymakers to address gaps in cancer care and funding.
• The primary objective of World Cancer Day aligns closely with the global vision outlined in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.4. This goal focuses on reducing premature deaths caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cancer, by one-third through effective prevention, timely treatment, and awareness, while also promoting mental health and well-being by 2030.

World Cancer Day 2025 – Theme

The theme for World Cancer Day 2025 is “United by Unique”.

• This emphasizes the importance of placing individuals at the heart of cancer care and treatment. 
• It calls for a compassionate, equitable, and tailored approach to address the unique needs of every cancer patient.
• According to the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), this campaign seeks to revolutionize cancer treatment by focusing on:
  • Customized Care: Recognizing that every patient has distinct needs, priorities, and circumstances.
  • Equal Accessibility: Bridging the gap in advanced cancer care for low- and middle-income countries by ensuring equitable access to treatment and support.
  • Breaking Stigmas through Personal Stories: Encouraging open conversations about cancer to dispel fears and reduce social stigma associated with the disease.

History of World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day is a global initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). It is the largest and oldest international cancer organization. 

• World Cancer Day was officially established on February 4, 2000, during the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium in Paris, France. 
• The summit resulted in the creation of the Paris Charter, a landmark document that outlined a unified global commitment to:
  1. Promote Cancer Research: Foster scientific advancements to better understand and fight cancer.
  2. Prevent Cancer: Raise awareness about risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets, and environmental hazards.
  3. Improve Patient Services: Ensure quality care and support for those affected by cancer.
  4. Mobilize Global Communities: Unite individuals, organizations, and governments to work collectively against cancer.
• The Paris Charter also formalized the adoption of World Cancer Day as an annual event to serve as a rallying point for awareness and action.
• In 2014, it focused on Goal 5 of the World Cancer Declaration, aimed at reducing cancer-related stigma and dispelling myths surrounding the disease.
• Over the years, World Cancer Day has become a powerful movement, engaging millions of individuals across the globe.

The Status of Cancer in India 

Cancer is a significant public health challenge in India, with cases rising alarmingly due to lifestyle changes, environmental factors, and an aging population. 

• Incidence of Cancer: India reported 14.6 lakh new cancer cases in 2022, with projections estimating a rise to 15.7 lakh by 2025, highlighting an urgent need for preventive measures.
• Prevalence by Gender: Cancer patterns differ by gender: men commonly face lung, oral, and stomach cancers, while women are more affected by breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers.
• Regional Disparities: Urban areas show a higher prevalence due to lifestyle factors, whereas rural areas are more affected by infection-related cancers like cervical cancer.
• Mortality Rate: With 8 lakh cancer-related deaths annually, India’s high mortality reflects issues like late-stage diagnosis and limited healthcare access.
• Screening and Diagnosis: Early detection is rare, as only 12.5% of cancer cases are diagnosed in initial stages, resulting in reduced survival rates.

Cancer Challenges in India

• Low Awareness: A lack of knowledge about cancer symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of screening leads to late-stage diagnosis, particularly in rural areas.
• Inadequate Screening Programs: Limited availability of cancer screening facilities, especially for breast, cervical, and oral cancers, prevents early detection.
• Access to Healthcare: Poor infrastructure and geographical barriers restrict access to specialized cancer care in rural regions.
• High Cost of Treatment: The expensive nature of cancer treatment creates financial strain for low-income families, making quality care unaffordable.
• Social Stigma: Fear and stigma surrounding cancer often discourage individuals from seeking timely medical help.
• Shortage of Specialists: A lack of trained oncologists and healthcare professionals further limits access to quality treatment.
• Lifestyle Risk Factors: Tobacco use, unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity, and environmental pollution contribute to the increasing cancer cases.

Government Initiatives for Cancer Treatment

• National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS): This program focuses on cancer prevention, early detection, and affordable treatment through awareness campaigns, screening programs, and improved healthcare infrastructure.
• National Cancer Grid (NCG): The NCG connects over 250 cancer centers to standardize care, improve treatment protocols, and provide affordable and quality care across the country.
• National Cancer Awareness Day: This day is observed annually on November 7. This type of initiative promotes awareness about early detection and prevention.
• HPV Vaccine Promotion: The government actively supports HPV vaccination to reduce cervical cancer incidence, especially among adolescent girls.
• Day-Care Cancer Centres in District Hospitals: Announced in the Union Budget, these centers aim to decentralize cancer care. By 2025-26, 200 centers will be established to make chemotherapy and basic treatment accessible at district hospitals. This will reduce patient load on tertiary care centers and improve convenience for rural patients.

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