What is World Cancer Day and what is the theme for 2023?

Tragically, around 70% of all cancer deaths are in low- and middle-income countries – which are least able to provide the help people need.

It is estimated that 3.7 million lives could be saved worldwide each year with strategies such as early diagnosis and early treatment.

So what is World Cancer Day 2023, what is the theme for this year and how can you get involved?

What is World Cancer Day?

It was created in 2000 at the World Cancer Summit in Paris and was the brainchild of six cancer experts.

They were determined to highlight the global challenges posed by cancer – reimagining “a world where everyone enjoys access to the cancer treatment, prevention and care they need”.

Every year on February 4, hundreds of activities and events take place around the world, in schools, businesses, hospitals and within communities.

It is led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), an umbrella group of organizations, charities and health ministries worldwide fighting the disease.

“Nearly a year after it was first announced, the government has reneged on its promise to publish a long-term cancer plan for England.

“Meanwhile, the Scottish Government is expected to publish its cancer strategy this spring. But in Northern Ireland, despite publishing their cancer strategy last year, political instability there meant its implementation was impossible.

And the new cancer improvement plan for Wales shows promise for tackling urgent challenges, however, it is only a short-term, three-year plan.

“More needs to be done.”

What is the theme of World Cancer Day 2023

Last year’s World Cancer Day theme continues in 2023 – “close the care gap‘.

It’s all about challenging the disparities in cancer care around the world.

“Half of the world’s population does not have access to the full range of basic health services,” says the UICC.

“We live in an age of awe-inspiring progress that has seen survival rates for many cancers skyrocket. In most countries around the world, however, many people are unable to effectively access adequate cancer care, even when the infrastructure and expertise are in place.”

Income, education, location and discrimination based on ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability and lifestyle are just some of the factors that can negatively impact care.

How can you get involved in World Cancer Day?

You could share a post on social media or join the 5k challenge by swimming, hiking, biking, running or walking.

There are also guides on how you can talk and help people with cancer and create your own events – as well as a map of what’s happening.

Plus you can take the one minute cancer quiz and of course it has details on how you can donate.

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