World Cancer Day is an international awareness day observed annually on February 4. The day aims to raise global awareness about cancer, encouraging communities and governments to take preventive action. It also serves as a platform to plan ongoing initiatives and sustainable awareness efforts in subsequent periods.

History

World Cancer Day was first launched in 2005 by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). Since then, February 4 has been traditionally observed each year through campaigns organized by the UICC and its partner organizations.

The choice of February 4 is based on the Paris Charter for the Fight Against Cancer, adopted at the World Cancer Summit in Paris on February 4, 2000. Article 10 of the charter recommends that February 4 be recognized annually as "World Cancer Day." This date was selected to foster global awareness in cancer prevention and has since been internationally accepted.^【1】 

Purpose

The primary objectives of World Cancer Day are to raise awareness and provide education about cancer, encourage preventive actions among individuals and communities, support the implementation of cancer control policies, and promote sustainable actions beyond the awareness day. Activities are designed to extend beyond a single day, forming the foundation for long-term public health initiatives.

Themes

World Cancer Day themes reflect the priorities of each period. The theme for 2025–2027 is “Unique Together,” emphasizing that each individual’s battle with cancer is personal, while collective experiences can generate a global impact.

Protection Against Risk Factors

International organizations recommend avoiding certain behavioral and environmental factors to reduce cancer risk. Prominent risk factors include:

• Tobacco use (smoking and smokeless tobacco products)
• Overweight or obesity
• Low intake of fruits and vegetables
• Physical inactivity
• Alcohol consumption
• Sexually transmitted HPV infection
• Exposure to hepatitis and other carcinogenic infections
• Ionizing and ultraviolet radiation
• Urban air pollution
• Indoor smoke from solid fuels

Avoiding these risk factors is considered an effective preventive measure against cancer at academic, individual, and societal levels.

National Cancer Screening Program in Türkiye

Since 2008, Türkiye has implemented the National Cancer Control Program, which integrates screening, registration, prevention, and treatment. Screening services are provided at primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare facilities, with mobile screening units reaching rural and underserved populations.

• Breast Cancer: Clinical examination annually for women aged 40–69; mammography every two years.
• Cervical Cancer: HPV-DNA testing every five years for women aged 30–65.
• Colorectal Cancer: Fecal occult blood testing every two years and colonoscopy every ten years for individuals aged 50–70.

Individuals with positive or suspicious screening results are referred to designated secondary and tertiary facilities for further testing and treatment.

Awareness Activities and Public Information

In Türkiye, awareness campaigns and informational activities are conducted across all 81 provinces to promote early detection and access to screening services. Citizens can access screening services through Cancer Early Diagnosis Screening and Education Center, District Health Directorates, Community Health Centers, Healthy Life Centers and Family Health Centers. Additionally, the Directorate of Cancer provides guidelines and tools online detailing which screenings are appropriate for specific age groups.

International Perspective

Globally, efforts to raise cancer awareness are coordinated by international organizations. The UICC and the World Health Organization establish global standards for risk prevention and early detection, providing guidance to countries on program implementation.

^{World Cancer Day (IARC WHO)}

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