World Cancer Day 2022; February 4th

In 2022, the global cancer community commemorates World Cancer Day, on February 4, with the slogan "Close the care gap". PAHO joins this campaign to call everyone, collectively and individually, to commit to strengthen actions aimed to improve access to quality care, including screening, early detection, treatment and palliative care.

Cancer can be prevented and controlled


Cancer can be prevented and controlled by implementing evidence-based strategies for cancer prevention, screening and early detection, treatment and palliative care. The most common modifiable risk factors for cancer, which are shared with many other noncommunicable diseases, are:
- Tobacco use
- Low fruit and vegetable intake
- Harmful use of alcohol
- Lack of physical activity

Some specific risk factors for cancer include chronic infections from human papilloma virus (HPV) -for cervical cancer-, hepatitis B and C - for liver cancer-, and H.pylori -for stomach cancer.

One third to one half of cancer cases could be prevented by reducing the prevalence of known risk factors. Examples of actionable interventions are tobacco control and HPV vaccination. The most effective primary prevention of cancer is based on whole-of-government approaches, with legislation, regulation and fiscal policies combined with activities to change community and individual behaviour. Public health messages and health promotion should present evidence on specific risk factors.

ACTIONS

 Join us to reduce the impact of cancer!

WEBINARS

An entertaining and informative, virtual live programme broadcasting across 11 hours this World Cancer Day This 4th February, we're bringing World Cancer Day to you. Tune in to a full day of live content streamed here on our website and on social media channels. The World Cancer Day LIVE programme includes discussions with leading thinkers from around the world and a rare look at the work of our cancer community. We’ll take you live on the ground, broadcasting World Cancer Day activities happening around the world. You will have the opportunity to watch testimonies by sports champions and celebrities, hear the stories of cancer survivors, listen to experts speak on equity and cancer-related topics, and participate in yoga sessions to help you stay healthy on and after World Cancer Day. Join us live this 4th February.

New WHO platform promotes global cancer prevention.

With one in five people worldwide developing cancer during their lifetimes, prevention of the disease has become one of the most significant public health challenges of the 21st century.