World Cancer Day, February 4, 2013

World Cancer Day 2013 (4 February 2013) will focus on Target 5 of the World Cancer Declaration: Dispel damaging myths and misconceptions about cancer, under the tagline “Cancer - Did you know?”.

World Cancer Day is a chance to raise our collective voices in the name of improving general knowledge around cancer and dismissing misconceptions about the disease. From a global level, we will be focusing our messaging on the four myths below. In addition to being in-line with our global advocacy goals, we believe these overarching myths leave a lot of flexibility for members, partners and supporters to adapt and expand on for their own needs. 

Myth 1: Cancer is just a health issue
Truth: Cancer is not just a health issue. It has wide-reaching social, economic, development, and human rights implications.

Myth 2: Cancer is a disease of the wealthy, elderly and developed countriesTruth: Cancer does not discriminate. It is a global epidemic, affecting all ages, with low- and middle-income countries bearing a disproportionate burden.

Myth 3: Cancer is a death sentenceTruth: Many cancers that were once considered a death sentence can now be cured and for many more people their cancer can now be treated effectively. 

Myth 4: Cancer is my fate
Truth: With the right strategies, more than one in every three cancers can be prevented.

World Cancer Day Events

World Cancer Day Factsheets, available in English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Arabic.