On February 4, 2024, millions of people around the world will join forces to mark World Cancer Day, a global initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to raise awareness, improve education, and catalyse action against cancer1. This year’s theme is “Together, we challenge those in power”, which aims to bring attention to the inequities and injustices in cancer care and to demand a commitment from leaders to prioritise cancer, to create innovative strategies to confront them, and to invest resources to achieve a just and cancer-free world2.
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 20203. However, not everyone has the same chance of surviving or living well with cancer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 90% of high-income countries reported that comprehensive treatment services for cancer were available, compared to less than 15% of low-income countries4.
These disparities are not only unfair, but also preventable. That is why World Cancer Day 2024 calls on everyone, from individuals to governments, to challenge those in power and to demand a commitment to close the care gap in cancer care. This means addressing the root causes of health inequities, such as poverty, social exclusion, environmental degradation, and lack of political will. It also means ensuring that everyone has access to quality health services when, where, and how they need them, regardless of their income, location, gender, age, or ethnicity.
World Cancer Day 2024 is the last year of the three-year campaign “Close the Care Gap”, which started in 2022 with the goal of understanding and recognising the inequities in cancer care, and continued in 2023 to unite voices and take action to overcome them2. Over the past two years, the campaign has mobilised millions of people across 170 countries to participate in various activities, such as online events, webinars, social media campaigns, fundraisers, advocacy initiatives, and more.
In support of World Cancer Day 2024, beauty and skincare brands like ISDIN, Avène, La Roche-Posay and Eucerin are making a difference for individuals facing cancer. These brands have developed products specifically designed to address the unique skincare challenges that arise during cancer treatment.
ISDIN provides dermatologically-tested products for sensitive skin during cancer therapies. Avène offers soothing formulations with thermal spring water for skin affected by cancer treatments. La Roche-Posay, known for dermatological solutions, prioritizes effective and gentle products for individuals facing cancer. Eucerin, a skincare brand known for its dermatological expertise offers a range of gentle and soothing products designed to address the unique skincare needs of individuals. Together, these brands support the well-being of those undergoing cancer treatments.
In the spirit of World Cancer Day, let us not only challenge those in power but also extend our support to the brands that are making a positive impact on the lives of individuals facing cancer.
Together, we can close the care gap and create a world where everyone has a fair chance to live well with cancer.
To learn more about World Cancer Day 2024 and how you can take part, visit worldcancerday.org.