World Cancer Day 2027 is on Thursday

About World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day aims to cut through fear and misinformation about cancer and to push for action at every level, from personal habits and screening to national cancer plans and fair access to treatment. Hospitals, cancer charities, schools and governments in many countries hold events, social media campaigns and fundraisers on the day.

The day was born on February 4, 2000, at the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium in Paris. Leaders there signed the Charter of Paris Against Cancer, which committed signers to research, prevention, better patient services and public awareness, and which included the adoption of an annual World Cancer Day. The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), founded in 1933 and based in Geneva, has led the day ever since.

UICC is a membership organization of more than 1,100 groups, including cancer societies, research institutes, treatment centers, health ministries and patient support organizations, in over 170 countries and territories. It runs the day as a multi-year campaign with one theme spanning several years. Recent campaigns have focused on closing gaps in cancer care and on care that puts people's needs at the center. World Cancer Day is not a UN General Assembly observance.

Sources: World Cancer Day (UICC): Our story, Union for International Cancer Control: World Cancer Day. How we check dates.

How to mark World Cancer Day

• Ask your doctor which cancer screenings are recommended for your age, sex and family history, and schedule any that are due.
• See a doctor about any new or unexplained change in your body that doesn't go away, rather than waiting.
• Take one step to lower your risk, such as quitting tobacco, protecting your skin from the sun or asking about the HPV vaccine.
• Offer practical help to someone in treatment: a meal, a ride to an appointment or an hour of company.
• Donate blood or platelets, or support a cancer charity or patient support group.

World Cancer Day dates