World Cancer Day 2023

Tags: Important Days

World Cancer Day is observed every year on 4 February to create awareness about cancer as a public health issue and strengthen action towards improving quality care, screening, early detection and treatment.

An overview of the news

• The theme for 2023 is 'Close the Care Gap'

• This theme is about understanding the disparities in cancer care and taking action to make the progress needed to address them.

• Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has appealed for people's cooperation to strengthen the global fight against cancer.

• The central government is working to ensure early detection and affordable treatment of cancer through Ayushman Bharat-Health and Wellness Centres, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana and several other initiatives.

• So far, a total of 17 crore 44 lakh oral cancer tests, 8 crore 27 lakh breast cancer tests and 5 crore 66 lakh cervical cancer tests have been done at these centres.

Background of the day

• World Cancer Day originated in the year 2000 at the first World Summit against Cancer which was held in Paris (France).

• At this summit, many leaders from government agencies and cancer organizations around the world signed the Charter of Paris Against Cancer.

• It contained a 10-article document that outlined a cooperative global commitment to improving the quality of life for cancer patients and investing in and advancing cancer research, prevention, and treatment.

• Article X of the Charter formally declared 4 February as World Cancer Day.

What is cancer?

• Cancer is a disease in which certain cells of the body grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body.

• Cancer can start in any part of the human body, which is made up of trillions of cells.

• The disease spreads throughout the body through a process called cell division.