World Cancer Day 2025: Theme, History, Significance, Signs and Symptoms

World Cancer Day is observed every year on February 4 to spread awareness about cancer, promote its prevention, and encourage efforts to tackle the worldwide cancer crisis. The day aims to unite people and organizations globally to take action against cancer and reduce its impact on communities. World Cancer Day is a global effort led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to increase awareness about cancer and to promote actions focused on preventing, detecting, and treating the disease effectively.

World Cancer Day 2025: History

World Cancer Day has its roots in the World Summit Against Cancer, held in Paris on 4 February 1999. The summit led to the signing of the Charter of Paris Against Cancer the following year, which laid the foundation for the first World Cancer Day on 4 February 2000. The day was established to unite countries and organizations in the global fight against cancer, emphasizing the importance of prevention, care, and research to address the growing cancer epidemic.

World Cancer Day 2025: Significance

World Cancer Day highlights the global impact of cancer, which caused over 10 million deaths in 2020 and 1.9 to 2 million cases in India in 2022. It draws attention to the low survival rates in low and middle-income countries, where factors such as inadequate healthcare, late diagnosis and high treatment costs hinder progress. Even in developed countries, diagnosis is delayed due to lack of awareness. Studies show that many patients, especially in India, seek treatment only in advanced stages, with literacy and economic status playing a key role in awareness.

World Cancer Day 2025: Signs

Cancer can occur in many forms and its symptoms may vary depending on the type and location of the disease. However, some common changes in the body should be kept an eye on and should not be ignored. If any of the following symptoms appear, it is important to consult a doctor:

• Unexplained lumps or swelling
• Persistent tiredness
• Alterations in digestion or bowel habits
• Unexplained weight loss
• Unusual bleeding or discharge
• Recurring pain or discomfort
• New growths or changes in existing moles
• Loss of appetite
• A wound or ulcer that doesn’t heal
• Persistent heartburn or indigestion

World Cancer Day 2025: Types & Symptoms

Here’s a simplified version of the common cancer types with easy-to-understand descriptions:

• Breast Cancer: This cancer starts in the breast cells, usually in the ducts or lobules. It’s the most common cancer in women. Symptoms include a lump in the breast, changes in shape, skin dimpling, and unusual nipple discharge.
• Lung Cancer: Lung cancer happens when the cells in the lungs become damaged and grow uncontrollably. Common symptoms include a persistent cough, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
• Skin Cancer: Skin cancer happens when skin cells grow abnormally due to damage to their DNA. This leads to the growth of malignant tumors. Look out for changes in the skin, like new growths or moles.
• Prostate Cancer: This cancer starts in the prostate, a small gland in men. Symptoms can include difficulty urinating, blood in urine, or discomfort in the pelvic area.
• Colorectal Cancer: Also known as bowel cancer, it affects the colon or rectum. Symptoms include changes in bowel movements, blood in the stool, stomach pain, and unexplained weight loss.
• Bladder Cancer: This cancer affects the bladder. Symptoms include pain when urinating, blood in the urine, and frequent urination.
• Leukemia: Leukemia is cancer of the blood cells, especially the white blood cells. Symptoms include feeling tired, frequent infections, and easy bruising or bleeding.
• Liver Cancer: Liver cancer starts in the liver cells. Symptoms can include unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, upper stomach pain, and yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
• Endometrial Cancer: This type of cancer starts in the lining of the uterus. Symptoms can include pelvic pain, weight loss, and abnormal vaginal bleeding.
• Thyroid Cancer: This cancer starts in the thyroid gland in the neck. Symptoms may include a lump in the neck, voice changes, and trouble swallowing.

World Cancer Day 2025: Theme

The theme for World Cancer Day 2025 is “United by Unique,” which emphasizes the vital role of personalized care in the battle against cancer. It focuses on the significance of tailoring cancer treatments to meet the specific needs of each patient, ensuring more effective and compassionate care. This approach aims to improve outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients worldwide.