Created in 2000, World Cancer Day (February 4) has grown into a positive movement for everyone, everywhere to unite under one voice to face one of our greatest challenges in history.

Each year, hundreds of activities and events take place around the world, gathering communities, organizations and individuals in schools, businesses, hospitals, marketplaces, parks, community halls, places of worship – in the streets and online – acting as a powerful reminder that we all have a role to play in reducing the global impact of cancer.

While we live in a time of awe-inspiring advancements in cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment, many who require cancer care face barriers. Income, education, geographical location and discrimination based on ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability and lifestyle are just a few of the factors that can negatively affect an individual’s care during their cancer journey.

This year’s theme for World Cancer Day, “Close the Care Gap”, is all about raising awareness of the equity gap that affects almost everyone.

The goal of World Cancer Day is to raise worldwide awareness, improve education and encourage personal, collective and government action against cancer. We are all working together to reimagine a world where millions of cancer deaths are prevented and access to cancer treatment and care is equitable for all – no matter who you are or where you live.