On 4 February 2024, the world took action to close the care gap

Significant government commitments and actions, continuous engagement on social media and web visitors throughout the day, press mentions in outlets around the world (see a selection here), and hundreds of activities organised by individuals and institutions and posted to the World Cancer Day map of activities, made this World Cancer Day 2024 another resounding success. A full report on the impact of World Cancer Day 2024 will be published in the coming weeks. 

The energy was already palpable in the days and weeks before World Cancer Day as well as on 4 February, generating considerable momentum to ensure that people everywhere can access the care they need, no matter who they are or where they live. 

In particular, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the research branch of WHO, released new global cancer figures, with UICC CEO Cary Adams quoted in major outlets around the world in connection with disparities in cancer care. IARC’s report emphasises a significant projected rise in cancer cases in low- and middle-income countries, which account for 70% of the deaths due to cancer and are least equipped to manage this rise in cancer cases. 

In the US, four Representatives submitted a bill to Congress “to eliminate racial and ethnic inequities and disparities in cancer care both in the United States and globally,” referencing World Cancer Day and the Close the Care Gap campaign in the title of bill. The European Commission organised a high-level event, in which Cary Adams took part, to mark three years since the launch of the EU Beating Cancer plan.  

For its part, UICC issued a global call to action directed at national health ministers, urging individuals around the world to sign and support the call for equitable healthcare by signing the call to action. The call to action offers nine recommendations, adaptable to local contexts, for governments to address inequity in health and cancer care. The call to action is open until the end of February. 

JOIN THE GLOBAL CALL TO ACTION 

The nine recommendations outlined in the call to action are also included in UICC’s World Cancer Day 2024 Equity Report. In this report, updated from last year, present and past members of the UICC Board of Directors write about the disparities in cancer care in their respective countries and regions and what can be done to close the care gap. 

Cary Adams, CEO of UICC kicked off World Cancer Day in Geneva, Switzerland, where UICC is headquartered, with live remarks on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and the World Cancer Day website. 

Then throughout the day, the World Cancer Day team at UICC checked in live throughout the day with people who have experienced cancer from around the world: Laëtitia Eïdo, a French-Lebanese actress who cared for her mother with advanced stage cancer; Karen Nakawala, a cervical cancer survivor and WHO advocate, who founded Teal Sisters Foundation Zambia, promoting early cervical cancer screening, breaking taboos through radio broadcasts and a Facebook Group with over 137,000 members; Iain Ward, who broke the world record for the most funds raised during a marathon while facing a stage III brain cancer diagnosis with an estimated five-year lifespan; Kenji Lopez-Cuevas, UICC Board Member, lawyer and President of Fundación Cáncer Warriors de México, who organised a charity run in Mexico City that attracted as significant crowd; Paulina Tamayo, a Mexican nutritionist and endurance athlete who specialises in sports, paediatrics, and diabetes nutrition; and Aldo Farrugia,  ultramarathon runner and President of Fundación Comuna, who has published a book on balanced breakfasts and dinner recipes for better nutrition.   

“Despite significant advances in cancer detection and treatments, access to care remains challenging for too many people around the world. Thankfully, World Cancer Day, aimed at improving health for the countless individuals affected by cancer, continues to gain remarkable momentum. More people and leaders recognise and are willing to address the gaps in healthcare provision, influenced by factors such as race, age, income, education, and geography, that prevent too many people from receiving the care they need. Once again, the collective passion and actions of people worldwide have been the driving force behind the success of World Cancer Day in 2024.” 
– Cary Adams, CEO of UICC 

For many members and supporters, World Cancer Day activities will continue throughout the rest of the month. To everyone, everywhere, UICC would like to express its thanks and gratitude: UICC members and partners, health organisations, businesses, leaders, governments, young people and individuals from all walks of life.