World Cancer Day 2020: How the world took action

Watch the World Cancer Day 2020 highlights video. 

World Cancer Day 2020 was nothing short of incredible. The day brought together individuals, communities, businesses, and the international cancer community for a day to help raise awareness, improve education, deliver action and inspire leadership. 

At last count, nearly 900 activities took place in 100 countries. With over 700,000 social media posts shared, half a million website visitors, and more than 1,000 press articles published, World Cancer Day was seen and heard everywhere. 

Thank you to every single person who showed their support. Here are just a few highlights from the hundreds and hundreds of brave, bold and brilliant actions from World Cancer Day 2020:

Editor's note: This article has been updated since its original publication to include updated campaign data. The World Cancer Day 2020 Impact Report with the final campaign results will be available at the end of March.  

#WorldCancerDay trended around the world 

— Eno Kejeradze (@_iameno) February 4, 2020

— Reyna Machado (@reynacmachado) February 4, 2020

The International Public Opinion Survey on Cancer is released 

Leaders stepped up and showed their support

Today is #WorldCancerDay.

Last week PM @BorisJohnson met campaigners from @CR_UK to discuss the fight against cancer, and the world-leading research that is making it possible. pic.twitter.com/noB02C2hph

— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) February 4, 2020

The fight against cancer is personal for me — like it is for so many people. And it's a fight we must win. With the incredible breakthroughs we've made in recent years — and with so many just over the horizon — I'm confident that we will end cancer as we know it. #WorldCancerDay

— Joe Biden (Text Join to 30330) (@JoeBiden) February 4, 2020

2018 Nobel Prize winner, James P. Allison, talks about immunotherapy, cures and faith

"For the longest time, what we were doing was sort of at the edge of credibility."

Nobel Laureate James Allison developed a new treatment for cancer. In this interview he discusses how, at first, many others were doubtful of his work.#WorldCancerDayhttps://t.co/Rs5yYQ6L1F

— The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) February 5, 2020

Europe kicked off their cancer plans 

Today, on #WorldCancerDay, we are launching a consultation on Europe's Beating Cancer Plan.
Together we can make a difference: with prevention and research, with a new data strategy and equality in treatment across Europe. #EUCancerPlan pic.twitter.com/TR91ZOS2iK

— European Commission (@EU_Commission) February 4, 2020

Ellen tweeted

For #WorldCancerDay I got to talk to one of my favorite survivors, @OfficialJLD. pic.twitter.com/4kxCc4yw3L

— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) February 4, 2020

So did the United Nations

Cancer is the second-leading cause of death worldwide.

On Tuesday's #WorldCancerDay, @WHO has tips on how to reduce your cancer risk. https://t.co/MmtMwLF2HJ pic.twitter.com/2jMLGzLHTK

— United Nations (@UN) February 3, 2020

Qatar Airways helped to raise awareness 

Education and awareness are the best way to combat cancer. We are rooting for anyone fighting against the deadly disease of cancer, and for their loved ones who stand beside them. #WorldCancerDay2020 pic.twitter.com/uLaOPegOyN

— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) February 4, 2020

Dr Arnold urged people to get screened 

Got my #cancer screening this week, great way to celebrate being a #survivor #WorldCancerDay2020 #IAmAndIWil #WorldCancerDay #cancersurvivor #littlecouple pic.twitter.com/d9J9wa9PqM

— Jennifer Arnold, MD (@JenArnoldMD) February 4, 2020

Prof Swain set the record straight 

Today is #WorldCancerDay - 1 in 6 deaths in the world because of the cancer. To prevent it, eat healthy, drink less, avoid tobacco! Remember - Cow Urine doesn't cure it.

— Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) February 4, 2020

The Obama Foundation expressed gratitude

Beating cancer starts with knowledge. That’s why @abdul_zurak launched a foundation to educate people in Ghana about cancer and help them access care. On #WorldCancerDay, we're grateful for #ObamaLeaders like Abdul who are committed to finding solutions to fight cancer. pic.twitter.com/ILOlgVRFfP

— The Obama Foundation (@ObamaFoundation) February 4, 2020

The voices of patients and survivors were heard 

THREAD

Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally - it accounts for 1 in 6 deaths around the world.

On #WorldCancerDay, a survivor shares her story with us - a story of a daughter and mother’s battle with breast cancer https://t.co/G3nJlirstk pic.twitter.com/OiSOaOKJ03

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) February 4, 2020

"There’s no disease in the world in which any human being need be ashamed."

Nobel Prize winner Wole Soyinka, shares his journey as a prostate cancer survivor. #WorldCancerDay2020 pic.twitter.com/LAhmBZvWSF

— BBC News Africa (@BBCAfrica) February 4, 2020

About World Cancer Day 2020

World Cancer Day takes place every year on 4 February and is the uniting global initiative under which the world comes together to raise the profile of cancer in a positive and inspiring way. Spearheaded by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), the day aims to save millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and improving education about the disease while calling for action from governments and individuals across the world.

World Cancer Day 2020 will be led by the theme ‘I Am and I Will’, an empowering call for personal commitment and represents the power of our actions taken now to reduce the growing impact of cancer.

This year follows on from the success of last year’s campaign, which saw nearly 1,000 activities taking place in 127 countries, over 700,000 social media posts, and 62 governments participating in 2019.

For more information, please visit: www.worldcancerday.org

About World Cancer Day activities and grassroots events

Local and international associations and communities around the world are coming together to hold events dedicated to raising awareness and education about cancer, including free cancer screenings, fundraisers, awareness walks and runs, and public seminars.

For more information about specific events, please visit: www.worldcancerday.org/map