In an effort to raise awareness about cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection and treatment, on February 4th each year, World Cancer Day is marked as an International Day. It was founded by the Union for International Cancer Control to support the goals of the World Cancer Declaration, written in 2008. The primary goal of the World Cancer Day is to significantly reduce illness and death caused by cancer by 2020.
The Union for International Cancer Control is a membership based, non-governmental organization that exists to help the global health community accelerate the fight against cancer. Founded in 1933 and based in Geneva, Switzerland, UICC has a membership of over 800 organizations’ across 155 countries, and features the world’s major cancer societies, ministries of health, research institutes and patient groups. UICC partners with its members, key partners, the World Health Organization, World Economic Forum and others, to tackle cancer on a global scale.
World Cancer Day targets misinformation, raises awareness, and reduces stigma. Multiple initiatives run on World Cancer Day to show support for those affected by cancer. One of these movements is #NoHairSelfie, a global movement to have “hairticipants” shave their heads either physically or virtually to show a symbol of courage for those undergoing cancer treatment. Images of participants are then shared over social media. Local events also take place.