World Cancer Day 2021: History, Significance, and Theme

Annually, February 4^th is observed as the World Cancer Day in order to raise awareness about cancer, extend support to all the individuals dealing with this severe ailment, and reduce the stigma that surrounds this disease; the disease that is the second leading cause of deaths globally. Every year, the World Cancer Day is observed with a particular theme. The day is commemorated by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).
Cancer, in simple terms, can be defined as uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells anywhere in a body. Cancer comes in several types, usually named for the organs or tissues where the cancer is from/originated. This disease has the highest incidence in the world.
History
The World Cancer Day was originated at the first World Summit Against Cancer in the year 2000. At this summit, several leaders of government agencies, and cancer organisations from around the world signed the ‘Charter of Paris Against Cancer’. It was a document of 10 articles that outlined a cooperative global commitment to improving the quality of life of cancer patients and to the continued investment in and advancement of cancer research, prevention, and treatment.
Significance
The primary purpose of celebrating this day is to reduce the number of cancer patients and to reduce the death rate caused due to it. Additionally, make people aware of how to identify the symptoms of cancer, educate people, as well as to prepare government and non-governmental organisations to help fighting this deadly disease all over the world.
Not only this, the aim of celebrating World Cancer Day 2021 is to reduce the misconceptions about cancer and help getting the right information about the same to the people. Another importance of February 4^th is to increase world cancer day awareness in order to remove the social myths and stigma. To achieve that, people must know how and what type of treatment is given to cancer patients.
World Cancer Day 2021 Theme – I Am and I Will
Since its inceptions, the World Cancer Day has been observed certain themes that would guide the agenda of the celebrations and campaigns. Some of the recent themes are as follows:
World Cancer Day 2015 theme – Not beyond us
World Cancer Day 2016- 2018 theme – We can, I can
World Cancer Day 2019- 2021 theme – I am and I will
The 2019- 2021 multi-year campaign has been focused on the community and the actions that each individual can take towards reducing the global impact of cancer. According to the World Cancer Day website, their primary goal is to focus on positive actions in order to reach the ‘target of reducing the number of premature deaths from cancer and non-communicable diseases by March 2030’.