World Cancer Day 2024: Cancer, ranked as the second leading cause of global mortality, has emerged as a significant public health issue over the past few decades. This silent and often undetected menace progresses stealthily in its initial stages and spreads insidiously before displaying noticeable symptoms. Timely detection plays a crucial role in surviving this life-threatening disease.
In India, there is a concerning upward trajectory in the prevalence of this deadly disease. According to the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN), there were 19.3 million new cancer cases worldwide in 2020. Projections indicate that in India, the number of cancer cases is expected to rise to 2 million by 2040, marking a 57.5% increase from the 2020 figures.
The National Cancer Registry Programme estimates that one in nine individuals is at risk of developing cancer during their lifetime. Among males and females, lung and breast cancers, respectively, topped the list of most common cancer sites. Moreover, lymphoid leukemia emerged as the predominant form of childhood cancer.
World Cancer Day 2024: Date
World Cancer Day, observed annually on February 4, is a global awareness initiative spearheaded by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). Cancer results from the unregulated and abnormal proliferation of cells within the body, leading to the formation of lumps or tumors in many instances. When left unaddressed, these tumors have the potential to expand and metastasize to other organs, impacting various bodily functions.
World Cancer Day 2024: History
World Cancer Day had its inaugural celebration on February 4, 2000, during the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium held in Paris. The Paris Charter, established during this summit, is dedicated to advancing research, preventing cancer, enhancing patient services, fostering awareness, and rallying the global community to make strides in the fight against cancer. Adopting World Cancer Day is a crucial component of the Charter’s mission.
World Cancer Day 2024: Theme
According to Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, the primary focus of World Cancer Day between 2022 and 2024 is to address and “Close the cancer gap.” This year, which concludes the three-year campaign, is centered around the theme “Together, we challenge those in power.” Dr. Moeti emphasizes that this theme encapsulates the worldwide call for leaders to prioritize and invest in cancer prevention and care, urging them to take more significant actions toward creating a just and cancer-free world. This message for World Cancer Day underscores the need for collective efforts and advocacy to confront the challenges posed by cancer and to push for substantial commitments from those in positions of influence.
World Cancer Day 2024: Risk factors
Cancer manifests in various forms, including carcinoma, sarcoma, lymphoma or myeloma, leukaemia, and brain and spinal cord cancers. These diverse types can be attributed to modifiable and non-modifiable factors. Lifestyle choices, such as excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, unhealthy dietary patterns, and sedentary behavior, are implicated in the development of many cancers. Additionally, some individuals have a genetic predisposition to cancer, elevating their susceptibility to the disease. Those with compromised immune systems face an increased risk, and exposure to manmade sources of radiation, such as x-rays and gamma rays, can contribute to cancer development. Infections also play a role, with approximately 2.2 million cancer-related deaths each year linked to infectious agents. Understanding these factors is crucial in implementing effective prevention and intervention strategies.
Signs and Symptoms
Unusual lumps or swelling
Fatigue
Changes in bowel habit
Sudden weight loss
Unexpected bleeding
Pain or ache that comes and goes
New moles or changes in appearance of moles
Appetite loss
A sore or ulcer that won’t heal
Heartburn or indigestion
