World Cancer Day 2025
Every February 4th, the world marks World Cancer Day, a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness and driving action against cancer.
This year makes it 25 years since the signing of the Charter of Paris Against Cancer at the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium.
The World Cancer Day 2025 theme, “United by Unique,” underscores the importance of personalized, patient-centered care, recognizing that each individual’s experience with cancer is unique. This year’s theme will run through to the year 2027.
The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the value of collaborative care, involving healthcare providers, families, friends, and the wider community.
The World Cancer Day 2025 theme, “United by Unique” highlights the critical need for tailored treatment approaches that address each patient’s specific circumstances.
World Cancer Day serves as a vital platform to educate the public /about cancer prevention, early detection, and available treatments.
With approximately 10 million cancer-related deaths in 2022 alone, cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide, according to the WHO.
This day unites individuals and organizations globally to advocate for improved screening, access to cutting-edge treatments, and stronger international collaboration in the fight against this devastating disease.
A Look Back and a Look Forward
World Cancer Day was first declared on February 4, 1999, during the World Summit against Cancer in Paris. The following year, on February 4, 2000, it was officially established with the signing of the Charter of Paris against Cancer.
The annual commemoration serves not only to raise awareness but also to promote prevention, early diagnosis, and effective treatment strategies to reduce cancer-related mortality.
It acts as a powerful reminder for individuals, governments, and organizations to work together to minimize the global impact of cancer on individuals, families, and communities.
World Cancer Day 2025- The Cancer Challenge in Africa
As Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, in his statement for the commemoration emphasised that , “Every cancer journey matters,” and collective action is crucial for ensuring compassionate and equitable care for all.
In the African region, cancer presents a significant and urgent health crisis. In 2022 alone, there were over 900,000 new cancer cases and more than 580,000 cancer-related deaths.
Cervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death among women in Africa, accounting for over 22% of all cancer deaths, while breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting men, with incidence rates continuing to rise. Without immediate and concerted action, cancer deaths in Africa could increase by a staggering 70% by 2040.
Nigeria’s stance on the World Cancer Day 2025 theme
The Nigerian Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has joined the global commemoration to maWorld Cancer Day.
The Minister in her speech stated the leading cancer diagnosis affecting most Nigerian women, breast and cervical cancers which also are among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women.
“As we mark World Cancer Day, on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, I want to assure women across Nigeria that we are committed to supporting your health and wellbeing.”
The Minister assured people who might be affected with this diagnosis directly or indirectly that the Federal Ministry of Health is committed to supporting health and wellbeing of cancer patients.
